Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 403,087?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 40308717 x 23711131 x 3077181 x 2227
Negative: -1 x -403087-17 x -23711-131 x -3077-181 x -2227


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 403,087?

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 403,087, 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.

1 403,087
-1 -403,087

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 403,087.

Example:
1 x 403,087 = 403,087
and
-1 x -403,087 = 403,087
Notice both answers equal 403,087

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 403,087 and divide it by 2:

403,087 ÷ 2 = 201,543.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 201,543.5 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:

1 403,087
-1 -403,087

Now, we try dividing 403,087 by 3:

403,087 ÷ 3 = 134,362.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 134,362.3333 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:

1 403,087
-1 -403,087

Let's try dividing by 4:

403,087 ÷ 4 = 100,771.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,771.75 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:

1 403,087
-1 403,087
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1171311812,2273,07723,711403,087
-1-17-131-181-2,227-3,077-23,711-403,087

More Examples

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