Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 390,316?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3903162 x 1951584 x 97579
Negative: -1 x -390316-2 x -195158-4 x -97579


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 390,316?

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 390,316, 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.

1 390,316
-1 -390,316

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 390,316.

Example:
1 x 390,316 = 390,316
and
-1 x -390,316 = 390,316
Notice both answers equal 390,316

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 390,316 and divide it by 2:

390,316 ÷ 2 = 195,158

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 195,158 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 195,158 390,316
-1 -2 -195,158 -390,316

Now, we try dividing 390,316 by 3:

390,316 ÷ 3 = 130,105.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,105.3333 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 2 195,158 390,316
-1 -2 -195,158 -390,316

Let's try dividing by 4:

390,316 ÷ 4 = 97,579

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,579 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 97,579 195,158 390,316
-1 -2 -4 -97,579 -195,158 390,316
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12497,579195,158390,316
-1-2-4-97,579-195,158-390,316

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 390,316:


Ask a Question