Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 387,337?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38733779 x 4903
Negative:
-1 x -387337-79 x -4903
A:
Positive:
1 x 38733779 x 4903
Negative:
-1 x -387337-79 x -4903
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 387,337, 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 | 387,337 | |
-1 | -387,337 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 387,337.
Example:
1 x 387,337 = 387,337
and
-1 x -387,337 = 387,337
Notice both answers equal 387,337
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 387,337 and divide it by 2:
387,337 ÷ 2 = 193,668.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,668.5 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 | 387,337 | |
-1 | -387,337 |
Now, we try dividing 387,337 by 3:
387,337 ÷ 3 = 129,112.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,112.3333 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 | 387,337 | |
-1 | -387,337 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
387,337 ÷ 4 = 96,834.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,834.25 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 | 387,337 | |
-1 | 387,337 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 79 | 4,903 | 387,337 |
-1 | -79 | -4,903 | -387,337 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator