Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 384,101?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 384101191 x 2011
Negative: -1 x -384101-191 x -2011


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 384,101?

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 384,101, 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.

1 384,101
-1 -384,101

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 384,101.

Example:
1 x 384,101 = 384,101
and
-1 x -384,101 = 384,101
Notice both answers equal 384,101

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 384,101 and divide it by 2:

384,101 ÷ 2 = 192,050.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,050.5 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:

1 384,101
-1 -384,101

Now, we try dividing 384,101 by 3:

384,101 ÷ 3 = 128,033.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,033.6667 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:

1 384,101
-1 -384,101

Let's try dividing by 4:

384,101 ÷ 4 = 96,025.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,025.25 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:

1 384,101
-1 384,101
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11912,011384,101
-1-191-2,011-384,101

More Examples

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