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
A:
Positive:
1 x 39706711 x 36097
Negative:
-1 x -397067-11 x -36097
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.
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 |
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 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 36,097 | 397,067 |
-1 | -11 | -36,097 | -397,067 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator