Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 392,359?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 39235911 x 3566953 x 7403583 x 673
Negative: -1 x -392359-11 x -35669-53 x -7403-583 x -673


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 392,359?

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 392,359, 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.

1 392,359
-1 -392,359

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 392,359.

Example:
1 x 392,359 = 392,359
and
-1 x -392,359 = 392,359
Notice both answers equal 392,359

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 392,359 and divide it by 2:

392,359 ÷ 2 = 196,179.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 196,179.5 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:

1 392,359
-1 -392,359

Now, we try dividing 392,359 by 3:

392,359 ÷ 3 = 130,786.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 130,786.3333 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:

1 392,359
-1 -392,359

Let's try dividing by 4:

392,359 ÷ 4 = 98,089.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 98,089.75 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:

1 392,359
-1 392,359
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111535836737,40335,669392,359
-1-11-53-583-673-7,403-35,669-392,359

More Examples

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