Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 388,045?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3880455 x 776097 x 5543535 x 11087
Negative: -1 x -388045-5 x -77609-7 x -55435-35 x -11087


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 388,045?

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 388,045, 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.

1 388,045
-1 -388,045

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 388,045.

Example:
1 x 388,045 = 388,045
and
-1 x -388,045 = 388,045
Notice both answers equal 388,045

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 388,045 and divide it by 2:

388,045 ÷ 2 = 194,022.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 194,022.5 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:

1 388,045
-1 -388,045

Now, we try dividing 388,045 by 3:

388,045 ÷ 3 = 129,348.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,348.3333 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:

1 388,045
-1 -388,045

Let's try dividing by 4:

388,045 ÷ 4 = 97,011.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,011.25 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:

1 388,045
-1 388,045
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1573511,08755,43577,609388,045
-1-5-7-35-11,087-55,435-77,609-388,045

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 388,045:


Ask a Question