Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 369,604?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3696042 x 1848024 x 92401
Negative: -1 x -369604-2 x -184802-4 x -92401


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 369,604?

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 369,604, 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.

1 369,604
-1 -369,604

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 369,604.

Example:
1 x 369,604 = 369,604
and
-1 x -369,604 = 369,604
Notice both answers equal 369,604

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 369,604 and divide it by 2:

369,604 ÷ 2 = 184,802

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 184,802 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

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

1 2 184,802 369,604
-1 -2 -184,802 -369,604

Now, we try dividing 369,604 by 3:

369,604 ÷ 3 = 123,201.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 123,201.3333 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 2 184,802 369,604
-1 -2 -184,802 -369,604

Let's try dividing by 4:

369,604 ÷ 4 = 92,401

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 92,401 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

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

1 2 4 92,401 184,802 369,604
-1 -2 -4 -92,401 -184,802 369,604
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12492,401184,802369,604
-1-2-4-92,401-184,802-369,604

More Examples

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