Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 385,523?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38552341 x 9403
Negative:
-1 x -385523-41 x -9403
A:
Positive:
1 x 38552341 x 9403
Negative:
-1 x -385523-41 x -9403
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 385,523, 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 | 385,523 | |
-1 | -385,523 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 385,523.
Example:
1 x 385,523 = 385,523
and
-1 x -385,523 = 385,523
Notice both answers equal 385,523
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 385,523 and divide it by 2:
385,523 ÷ 2 = 192,761.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,761.5 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 | 385,523 | |
-1 | -385,523 |
Now, we try dividing 385,523 by 3:
385,523 ÷ 3 = 128,507.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,507.6667 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 | 385,523 | |
-1 | -385,523 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
385,523 ÷ 4 = 96,380.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,380.75 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 | 385,523 | |
-1 | 385,523 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 9,403 | 385,523 |
-1 | -41 | -9,403 | -385,523 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator