Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 385,309?
A:
Positive:
1 x 385309373 x 1033
Negative:
-1 x -385309-373 x -1033
A:
Positive:
1 x 385309373 x 1033
Negative:
-1 x -385309-373 x -1033
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 385,309, 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 | 385,309 | |
-1 | -385,309 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 385,309.
Example:
1 x 385,309 = 385,309
and
-1 x -385,309 = 385,309
Notice both answers equal 385,309
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 385,309 and divide it by 2:
385,309 ÷ 2 = 192,654.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,654.5 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 | 385,309 | |
-1 | -385,309 |
Now, we try dividing 385,309 by 3:
385,309 ÷ 3 = 128,436.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,436.3333 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 | 385,309 | |
-1 | -385,309 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
385,309 ÷ 4 = 96,327.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,327.25 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 | 385,309 | |
-1 | 385,309 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 373 | 1,033 | 385,309 |
-1 | -373 | -1,033 | -385,309 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator