Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 384,557?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38455717 x 22621
Negative:
-1 x -384557-17 x -22621
A:
Positive:
1 x 38455717 x 22621
Negative:
-1 x -384557-17 x -22621
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 384,557, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 384,557 | |
-1 | -384,557 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 384,557.
Example:
1 x 384,557 = 384,557
and
-1 x -384,557 = 384,557
Notice both answers equal 384,557
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 384,557 and divide it by 2:
384,557 ÷ 2 = 192,278.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,278.5 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 | 384,557 | |
-1 | -384,557 |
Now, we try dividing 384,557 by 3:
384,557 ÷ 3 = 128,185.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,185.6667 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 | 384,557 | |
-1 | -384,557 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
384,557 ÷ 4 = 96,139.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,139.25 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 | 384,557 | |
-1 | 384,557 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 22,621 | 384,557 |
-1 | -17 | -22,621 | -384,557 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator