Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 397,067?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 39706711 x 36097
Negative: -1 x -397067-11 x -36097


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 397,067?

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 397,067, 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.

1 397,067
-1 -397,067

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 397,067.

Example:
1 x 397,067 = 397,067
and
-1 x -397,067 = 397,067
Notice both answers equal 397,067

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 397,067 and divide it by 2:

397,067 ÷ 2 = 198,533.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 198,533.5 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:

1 397,067
-1 -397,067

Now, we try dividing 397,067 by 3:

397,067 ÷ 3 = 132,355.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 132,355.6667 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:

1 397,067
-1 -397,067

Let's try dividing by 4:

397,067 ÷ 4 = 99,266.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 99,266.75 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:

1 397,067
-1 397,067
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11136,097397,067
-1-11-36,097-397,067

More Examples

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