Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 378,697?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 37869711 x 34427173 x 2189199 x 1903
Negative: -1 x -378697-11 x -34427-173 x -2189-199 x -1903


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 378,697?

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 378,697, 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.

1 378,697
-1 -378,697

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 378,697.

Example:
1 x 378,697 = 378,697
and
-1 x -378,697 = 378,697
Notice both answers equal 378,697

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 378,697 and divide it by 2:

378,697 ÷ 2 = 189,348.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 189,348.5 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:

1 378,697
-1 -378,697

Now, we try dividing 378,697 by 3:

378,697 ÷ 3 = 126,232.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 126,232.3333 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:

1 378,697
-1 -378,697

Let's try dividing by 4:

378,697 ÷ 4 = 94,674.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 94,674.25 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:

1 378,697
-1 378,697
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111731991,9032,18934,427378,697
-1-11-173-199-1,903-2,189-34,427-378,697

More Examples

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