Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 361,543?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3615437 x 5164913 x 2781129 x 1246791 x 3973137 x 2639203 x 1781377 x 959
Negative: -1 x -361543-7 x -51649-13 x -27811-29 x -12467-91 x -3973-137 x -2639-203 x -1781-377 x -959


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 361,543?

Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 361,543, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.

1 361,543
-1 -361,543

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 361,543.

Example:
1 x 361,543 = 361,543
and
-1 x -361,543 = 361,543
Notice both answers equal 361,543

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 361,543 and divide it by 2:

361,543 ÷ 2 = 180,771.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 180,771.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 361,543
-1 -361,543

Now, we try dividing 361,543 by 3:

361,543 ÷ 3 = 120,514.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 120,514.3333 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 361,543
-1 -361,543

Let's try dividing by 4:

361,543 ÷ 4 = 90,385.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 90,385.75 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 361,543
-1 361,543
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

171329911372033779591,7812,6393,97312,46727,81151,649361,543
-1-7-13-29-91-137-203-377-959-1,781-2,639-3,973-12,467-27,811-51,649-361,543

More Examples

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