Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 283,483?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 283483197 x 1439
Negative: -1 x -283483-197 x -1439


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 283,483?

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 283,483, 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.

1 283,483
-1 -283,483

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 283,483.

Example:
1 x 283,483 = 283,483
and
-1 x -283,483 = 283,483
Notice both answers equal 283,483

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 283,483 and divide it by 2:

283,483 ÷ 2 = 141,741.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 141,741.5 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:

1 283,483
-1 -283,483

Now, we try dividing 283,483 by 3:

283,483 ÷ 3 = 94,494.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 94,494.3333 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:

1 283,483
-1 -283,483

Let's try dividing by 4:

283,483 ÷ 4 = 70,870.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 70,870.75 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:

1 283,483
-1 283,483
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11971,439283,483
-1-197-1,439-283,483

More Examples

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