Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 397,711?
A:
Positive:
1 x 397711137 x 2903
Negative:
-1 x -397711-137 x -2903
A:
Positive:
1 x 397711137 x 2903
Negative:
-1 x -397711-137 x -2903
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 397,711, 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 | 397,711 | |
-1 | -397,711 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 397,711.
Example:
1 x 397,711 = 397,711
and
-1 x -397,711 = 397,711
Notice both answers equal 397,711
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 397,711 and divide it by 2:
397,711 ÷ 2 = 198,855.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 198,855.5 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 | 397,711 | |
-1 | -397,711 |
Now, we try dividing 397,711 by 3:
397,711 ÷ 3 = 132,570.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 132,570.3333 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 | 397,711 | |
-1 | -397,711 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
397,711 ÷ 4 = 99,427.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 99,427.75 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 | 397,711 | |
-1 | 397,711 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 137 | 2,903 | 397,711 |
-1 | -137 | -2,903 | -397,711 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator