Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 388,349?
A:
Positive:
1 x 38834913 x 29873
Negative:
-1 x -388349-13 x -29873
A:
Positive:
1 x 38834913 x 29873
Negative:
-1 x -388349-13 x -29873
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 388,349, 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 | 388,349 | |
-1 | -388,349 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 388,349.
Example:
1 x 388,349 = 388,349
and
-1 x -388,349 = 388,349
Notice both answers equal 388,349
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 388,349 and divide it by 2:
388,349 ÷ 2 = 194,174.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 194,174.5 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 | 388,349 | |
-1 | -388,349 |
Now, we try dividing 388,349 by 3:
388,349 ÷ 3 = 129,449.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,449.6667 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 | 388,349 | |
-1 | -388,349 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
388,349 ÷ 4 = 97,087.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,087.25 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 | 388,349 | |
-1 | 388,349 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 29,873 | 388,349 |
-1 | -13 | -29,873 | -388,349 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator