Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 381,905?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3819055 x 7638117 x 2246585 x 4493
Negative: -1 x -381905-5 x -76381-17 x -22465-85 x -4493


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 381,905?

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 381,905, 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.

1 381,905
-1 -381,905

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 381,905.

Example:
1 x 381,905 = 381,905
and
-1 x -381,905 = 381,905
Notice both answers equal 381,905

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 381,905 and divide it by 2:

381,905 ÷ 2 = 190,952.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 190,952.5 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:

1 381,905
-1 -381,905

Now, we try dividing 381,905 by 3:

381,905 ÷ 3 = 127,301.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 127,301.6667 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:

1 381,905
-1 -381,905

Let's try dividing by 4:

381,905 ÷ 4 = 95,476.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 95,476.25 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:

1 381,905
-1 381,905
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1517854,49322,46576,381381,905
-1-5-17-85-4,493-22,465-76,381-381,905

More Examples

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