Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 386,287?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38628711 x 35117
Negative:
-1 x -386287-11 x -35117
A:
Positive:
1 x 38628711 x 35117
Negative:
-1 x -386287-11 x -35117
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 386,287, 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 | 386,287 | |
-1 | -386,287 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 386,287.
Example:
1 x 386,287 = 386,287
and
-1 x -386,287 = 386,287
Notice both answers equal 386,287
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 386,287 and divide it by 2:
386,287 ÷ 2 = 193,143.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,143.5 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 | 386,287 | |
-1 | -386,287 |
Now, we try dividing 386,287 by 3:
386,287 ÷ 3 = 128,762.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 128,762.3333 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 | 386,287 | |
-1 | -386,287 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
386,287 ÷ 4 = 96,571.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,571.75 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 | 386,287 | |
-1 | 386,287 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 35,117 | 386,287 |
-1 | -11 | -35,117 | -386,287 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator