Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 391,091?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 391091103 x 3797
Negative: -1 x -391091-103 x -3797


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 391,091?

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 391,091, 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.

1 391,091
-1 -391,091

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 391,091.

Example:
1 x 391,091 = 391,091
and
-1 x -391,091 = 391,091
Notice both answers equal 391,091

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 391,091 and divide it by 2:

391,091 ÷ 2 = 195,545.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 195,545.5 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:

1 391,091
-1 -391,091

Now, we try dividing 391,091 by 3:

391,091 ÷ 3 = 130,363.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,363.6667 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:

1 391,091
-1 -391,091

Let's try dividing by 4:

391,091 ÷ 4 = 97,772.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,772.75 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:

1 391,091
-1 391,091
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11033,797391,091
-1-103-3,797-391,091

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 391,091:


Ask a Question