Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 373,481?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 373481131 x 2851
Negative: -1 x -373481-131 x -2851


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 373,481?

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 373,481, 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.

1 373,481
-1 -373,481

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 373,481.

Example:
1 x 373,481 = 373,481
and
-1 x -373,481 = 373,481
Notice both answers equal 373,481

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 373,481 and divide it by 2:

373,481 ÷ 2 = 186,740.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 186,740.5 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:

1 373,481
-1 -373,481

Now, we try dividing 373,481 by 3:

373,481 ÷ 3 = 124,493.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 124,493.6667 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:

1 373,481
-1 -373,481

Let's try dividing by 4:

373,481 ÷ 4 = 93,370.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 93,370.25 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:

1 373,481
-1 373,481
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11312,851373,481
-1-131-2,851-373,481

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 373,481:


Ask a Question