Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 388,913?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3889137 x 5555949 x 7937
Negative: -1 x -388913-7 x -55559-49 x -7937


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 388,913?

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 388,913, 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.

1 388,913
-1 -388,913

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 388,913.

Example:
1 x 388,913 = 388,913
and
-1 x -388,913 = 388,913
Notice both answers equal 388,913

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 388,913 and divide it by 2:

388,913 ÷ 2 = 194,456.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 194,456.5 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:

1 388,913
-1 -388,913

Now, we try dividing 388,913 by 3:

388,913 ÷ 3 = 129,637.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,637.6667 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:

1 388,913
-1 -388,913

Let's try dividing by 4:

388,913 ÷ 4 = 97,228.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,228.25 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:

1 388,913
-1 388,913
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17497,93755,559388,913
-1-7-49-7,937-55,559-388,913

More Examples

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