Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 391,483?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 39148323 x 17021
Negative: -1 x -391483-23 x -17021


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 391,483?

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 391,483, 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.

1 391,483
-1 -391,483

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 391,483.

Example:
1 x 391,483 = 391,483
and
-1 x -391,483 = 391,483
Notice both answers equal 391,483

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 391,483 and divide it by 2:

391,483 ÷ 2 = 195,741.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 195,741.5 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:

1 391,483
-1 -391,483

Now, we try dividing 391,483 by 3:

391,483 ÷ 3 = 130,494.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,494.3333 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:

1 391,483
-1 -391,483

Let's try dividing by 4:

391,483 ÷ 4 = 97,870.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,870.75 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:

1 391,483
-1 391,483
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12317,021391,483
-1-23-17,021-391,483

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 391,483:


Ask a Question