Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 368,129?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 368129
Negative: -1 x -368129


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 368,129?

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 368,129, 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.

1 368,129
-1 -368,129

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 368,129.

Example:
1 x 368,129 = 368,129
and
-1 x -368,129 = 368,129
Notice both answers equal 368,129

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 368,129 and divide it by 2:

368,129 ÷ 2 = 184,064.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 184,064.5 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:

1 368,129
-1 -368,129

Now, we try dividing 368,129 by 3:

368,129 ÷ 3 = 122,709.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 122,709.6667 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:

1 368,129
-1 -368,129

Let's try dividing by 4:

368,129 ÷ 4 = 92,032.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 92,032.25 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:

1 368,129
-1 368,129
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1368,129
-1-368,129

More Examples

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