Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 732,389?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7323897 x 10462723 x 31843161 x 4549
Negative: -1 x -732389-7 x -104627-23 x -31843-161 x -4549


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 732,389?

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 732,389, 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.

1 732,389
-1 -732,389

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 732,389.

Example:
1 x 732,389 = 732,389
and
-1 x -732,389 = 732,389
Notice both answers equal 732,389

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 732,389 and divide it by 2:

732,389 ÷ 2 = 366,194.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 366,194.5 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:

1 732,389
-1 -732,389

Now, we try dividing 732,389 by 3:

732,389 ÷ 3 = 244,129.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 244,129.6667 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:

1 732,389
-1 -732,389

Let's try dividing by 4:

732,389 ÷ 4 = 183,097.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 183,097.25 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:

1 732,389
-1 732,389
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17231614,54931,843104,627732,389
-1-7-23-161-4,549-31,843-104,627-732,389

More Examples

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