Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 381,023?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 38102343 x 8861
Negative: -1 x -381023-43 x -8861


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 381,023?

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 381,023, 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.

1 381,023
-1 -381,023

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 381,023.

Example:
1 x 381,023 = 381,023
and
-1 x -381,023 = 381,023
Notice both answers equal 381,023

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 381,023 and divide it by 2:

381,023 ÷ 2 = 190,511.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 190,511.5 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:

1 381,023
-1 -381,023

Now, we try dividing 381,023 by 3:

381,023 ÷ 3 = 127,007.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 127,007.6667 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:

1 381,023
-1 -381,023

Let's try dividing by 4:

381,023 ÷ 4 = 95,255.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 95,255.75 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:

1 381,023
-1 381,023
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1438,861381,023
-1-43-8,861-381,023

More Examples

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