Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 396,179?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3961797 x 56597
Negative:
-1 x -396179-7 x -56597
A:
Positive:
1 x 3961797 x 56597
Negative:
-1 x -396179-7 x -56597
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 396,179, 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 | 396,179 | |
-1 | -396,179 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 396,179.
Example:
1 x 396,179 = 396,179
and
-1 x -396,179 = 396,179
Notice both answers equal 396,179
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 396,179 and divide it by 2:
396,179 ÷ 2 = 198,089.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 198,089.5 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 | 396,179 | |
-1 | -396,179 |
Now, we try dividing 396,179 by 3:
396,179 ÷ 3 = 132,059.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 132,059.6667 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 | 396,179 | |
-1 | -396,179 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
396,179 ÷ 4 = 99,044.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 99,044.75 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 | 396,179 | |
-1 | 396,179 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 56,597 | 396,179 |
-1 | -7 | -56,597 | -396,179 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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