Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 391,585?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3915855 x 78317
Negative:
-1 x -391585-5 x -78317
A:
Positive:
1 x 3915855 x 78317
Negative:
-1 x -391585-5 x -78317
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 391,585, 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 | 391,585 | |
-1 | -391,585 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 391,585.
Example:
1 x 391,585 = 391,585
and
-1 x -391,585 = 391,585
Notice both answers equal 391,585
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 391,585 and divide it by 2:
391,585 ÷ 2 = 195,792.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 195,792.5 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 | 391,585 | |
-1 | -391,585 |
Now, we try dividing 391,585 by 3:
391,585 ÷ 3 = 130,528.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,528.3333 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 | 391,585 | |
-1 | -391,585 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
391,585 ÷ 4 = 97,896.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,896.25 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 | 391,585 | |
-1 | 391,585 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 78,317 | 391,585 |
-1 | -5 | -78,317 | -391,585 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator