Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 371,543?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 37154371 x 5233
Negative: -1 x -371543-71 x -5233


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 371,543?

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 371,543, 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.

1 371,543
-1 -371,543

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 371,543.

Example:
1 x 371,543 = 371,543
and
-1 x -371,543 = 371,543
Notice both answers equal 371,543

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 371,543 and divide it by 2:

371,543 ÷ 2 = 185,771.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 185,771.5 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:

1 371,543
-1 -371,543

Now, we try dividing 371,543 by 3:

371,543 ÷ 3 = 123,847.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 123,847.6667 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:

1 371,543
-1 -371,543

Let's try dividing by 4:

371,543 ÷ 4 = 92,885.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 92,885.75 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:

1 371,543
-1 371,543
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1715,233371,543
-1-71-5,233-371,543

More Examples

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