Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 732,343?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 73234317 x 4307923 x 31841391 x 1873
Negative: -1 x -732343-17 x -43079-23 x -31841-391 x -1873


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 732,343?

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 732,343, 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.

1 732,343
-1 -732,343

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 732,343.

Example:
1 x 732,343 = 732,343
and
-1 x -732,343 = 732,343
Notice both answers equal 732,343

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 732,343 and divide it by 2:

732,343 ÷ 2 = 366,171.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 366,171.5 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:

1 732,343
-1 -732,343

Now, we try dividing 732,343 by 3:

732,343 ÷ 3 = 244,114.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 244,114.3333 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:

1 732,343
-1 -732,343

Let's try dividing by 4:

732,343 ÷ 4 = 183,085.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 183,085.75 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:

1 732,343
-1 732,343
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117233911,87331,84143,079732,343
-1-17-23-391-1,873-31,841-43,079-732,343

More Examples

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