Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 391,417?
A:
Positive:
1 x 39141713 x 30109
Negative:
-1 x -391417-13 x -30109
A:
Positive:
1 x 39141713 x 30109
Negative:
-1 x -391417-13 x -30109
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 391,417, 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 | 391,417 | |
-1 | -391,417 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 391,417.
Example:
1 x 391,417 = 391,417
and
-1 x -391,417 = 391,417
Notice both answers equal 391,417
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 391,417 and divide it by 2:
391,417 ÷ 2 = 195,708.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 195,708.5 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 | 391,417 | |
-1 | -391,417 |
Now, we try dividing 391,417 by 3:
391,417 ÷ 3 = 130,472.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,472.3333 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 | 391,417 | |
-1 | -391,417 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
391,417 ÷ 4 = 97,854.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,854.25 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 | 391,417 | |
-1 | 391,417 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 30,109 | 391,417 |
-1 | -13 | -30,109 | -391,417 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator