Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 389,245?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3892455 x 77849
Negative: -1 x -389245-5 x -77849


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 389,245?

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 389,245, 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.

1 389,245
-1 -389,245

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 389,245.

Example:
1 x 389,245 = 389,245
and
-1 x -389,245 = 389,245
Notice both answers equal 389,245

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 389,245 and divide it by 2:

389,245 ÷ 2 = 194,622.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 194,622.5 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:

1 389,245
-1 -389,245

Now, we try dividing 389,245 by 3:

389,245 ÷ 3 = 129,748.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,748.3333 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:

1 389,245
-1 -389,245

Let's try dividing by 4:

389,245 ÷ 4 = 97,311.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,311.25 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:

1 389,245
-1 389,245
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1577,849389,245
-1-5-77,849-389,245

More Examples

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