Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 387,389?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38738923 x 16843
Negative:
-1 x -387389-23 x -16843
A:
Positive:
1 x 38738923 x 16843
Negative:
-1 x -387389-23 x -16843
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 387,389, 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 | 387,389 | |
-1 | -387,389 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 387,389.
Example:
1 x 387,389 = 387,389
and
-1 x -387,389 = 387,389
Notice both answers equal 387,389
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 387,389 and divide it by 2:
387,389 ÷ 2 = 193,694.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,694.5 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 | 387,389 | |
-1 | -387,389 |
Now, we try dividing 387,389 by 3:
387,389 ÷ 3 = 129,129.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,129.6667 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 | 387,389 | |
-1 | -387,389 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
387,389 ÷ 4 = 96,847.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,847.25 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 | 387,389 | |
-1 | 387,389 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23 | 16,843 | 387,389 |
-1 | -23 | -16,843 | -387,389 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator