Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 387,539?
A:
Positive:
1 x 387539191 x 2029
Negative:
-1 x -387539-191 x -2029
A:
Positive:
1 x 387539191 x 2029
Negative:
-1 x -387539-191 x -2029
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 387,539, 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 | 387,539 | |
-1 | -387,539 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 387,539.
Example:
1 x 387,539 = 387,539
and
-1 x -387,539 = 387,539
Notice both answers equal 387,539
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 387,539 and divide it by 2:
387,539 ÷ 2 = 193,769.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,769.5 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 | 387,539 | |
-1 | -387,539 |
Now, we try dividing 387,539 by 3:
387,539 ÷ 3 = 129,179.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,179.6667 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 | 387,539 | |
-1 | -387,539 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
387,539 ÷ 4 = 96,884.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,884.75 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 | 387,539 | |
-1 | 387,539 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 191 | 2,029 | 387,539 |
-1 | -191 | -2,029 | -387,539 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator