Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 384,523?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 38452317 x 22619
Negative: -1 x -384523-17 x -22619


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 384,523?

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 384,523, 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.

1 384,523
-1 -384,523

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 384,523.

Example:
1 x 384,523 = 384,523
and
-1 x -384,523 = 384,523
Notice both answers equal 384,523

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 384,523 and divide it by 2:

384,523 ÷ 2 = 192,261.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,261.5 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:

1 384,523
-1 -384,523

Now, we try dividing 384,523 by 3:

384,523 ÷ 3 = 128,174.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,174.3333 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:

1 384,523
-1 -384,523

Let's try dividing by 4:

384,523 ÷ 4 = 96,130.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,130.75 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:

1 384,523
-1 384,523
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11722,619384,523
-1-17-22,619-384,523

More Examples

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