Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 385,973?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3859737 x 5513949 x 7877
Negative:
-1 x -385973-7 x -55139-49 x -7877
A:
Positive:
1 x 3859737 x 5513949 x 7877
Negative:
-1 x -385973-7 x -55139-49 x -7877
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 385,973, 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 | 385,973 | |
-1 | -385,973 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 385,973.
Example:
1 x 385,973 = 385,973
and
-1 x -385,973 = 385,973
Notice both answers equal 385,973
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 385,973 and divide it by 2:
385,973 ÷ 2 = 192,986.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 192,986.5 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 | 385,973 | |
-1 | -385,973 |
Now, we try dividing 385,973 by 3:
385,973 ÷ 3 = 128,657.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,657.6667 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 | 385,973 | |
-1 | -385,973 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
385,973 ÷ 4 = 96,493.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,493.25 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 | 385,973 | |
-1 | 385,973 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 49 | 7,877 | 55,139 | 385,973 |
-1 | -7 | -49 | -7,877 | -55,139 | -385,973 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator