Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 387,119?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 38711973 x 5303
Negative: -1 x -387119-73 x -5303


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 387,119?

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 387,119, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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.

1 387,119
-1 -387,119

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 387,119.

Example:
1 x 387,119 = 387,119
and
-1 x -387,119 = 387,119
Notice both answers equal 387,119

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 387,119 and divide it by 2:

387,119 ÷ 2 = 193,559.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,559.5 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:

1 387,119
-1 -387,119

Now, we try dividing 387,119 by 3:

387,119 ÷ 3 = 129,039.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,039.6667 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:

1 387,119
-1 -387,119

Let's try dividing by 4:

387,119 ÷ 4 = 96,779.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,779.75 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:

1 387,119
-1 387,119
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

1735,303387,119
-1-73-5,303-387,119

More Examples

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