Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 387,617?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38761717 x 22801151 x 2567
Negative:
-1 x -387617-17 x -22801-151 x -2567
A:
Positive:
1 x 38761717 x 22801151 x 2567
Negative:
-1 x -387617-17 x -22801-151 x -2567
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 387,617, 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 | 387,617 | |
-1 | -387,617 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 387,617.
Example:
1 x 387,617 = 387,617
and
-1 x -387,617 = 387,617
Notice both answers equal 387,617
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 387,617 and divide it by 2:
387,617 ÷ 2 = 193,808.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 193,808.5 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 | 387,617 | |
-1 | -387,617 |
Now, we try dividing 387,617 by 3:
387,617 ÷ 3 = 129,205.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,205.6667 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 | 387,617 | |
-1 | -387,617 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
387,617 ÷ 4 = 96,904.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 96,904.25 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 | 387,617 | |
-1 | 387,617 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 151 | 2,567 | 22,801 | 387,617 |
-1 | -17 | -151 | -2,567 | -22,801 | -387,617 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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