Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 397,949?
A:
Positive:
1 x 39794947 x 8467
Negative:
-1 x -397949-47 x -8467
A:
Positive:
1 x 39794947 x 8467
Negative:
-1 x -397949-47 x -8467
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 397,949, 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 | 397,949 | |
-1 | -397,949 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 397,949.
Example:
1 x 397,949 = 397,949
and
-1 x -397,949 = 397,949
Notice both answers equal 397,949
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 397,949 and divide it by 2:
397,949 ÷ 2 = 198,974.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 198,974.5 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 | 397,949 | |
-1 | -397,949 |
Now, we try dividing 397,949 by 3:
397,949 ÷ 3 = 132,649.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 132,649.6667 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 | 397,949 | |
-1 | -397,949 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
397,949 ÷ 4 = 99,487.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 99,487.25 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 | 397,949 | |
-1 | 397,949 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 8,467 | 397,949 |
-1 | -47 | -8,467 | -397,949 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator