Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 368,549?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 36854941 x 898989 x 4141101 x 3649
Negative: -1 x -368549-41 x -8989-89 x -4141-101 x -3649


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 368,549?

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 368,549, 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.

1 368,549
-1 -368,549

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 368,549.

Example:
1 x 368,549 = 368,549
and
-1 x -368,549 = 368,549
Notice both answers equal 368,549

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 368,549 and divide it by 2:

368,549 ÷ 2 = 184,274.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 184,274.5 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:

1 368,549
-1 -368,549

Now, we try dividing 368,549 by 3:

368,549 ÷ 3 = 122,849.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 122,849.6667 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:

1 368,549
-1 -368,549

Let's try dividing by 4:

368,549 ÷ 4 = 92,137.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 92,137.25 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:

1 368,549
-1 368,549
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

141891013,6494,1418,989368,549
-1-41-89-101-3,649-4,141-8,989-368,549

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 368,549:


Ask a Question