Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 304,637?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 30463731 x 9827317 x 961
Negative: -1 x -304637-31 x -9827-317 x -961


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 304,637?

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 304,637, 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.

1 304,637
-1 -304,637

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 304,637.

Example:
1 x 304,637 = 304,637
and
-1 x -304,637 = 304,637
Notice both answers equal 304,637

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 304,637 and divide it by 2:

304,637 ÷ 2 = 152,318.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 152,318.5 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:

1 304,637
-1 -304,637

Now, we try dividing 304,637 by 3:

304,637 ÷ 3 = 101,545.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 101,545.6667 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:

1 304,637
-1 -304,637

Let's try dividing by 4:

304,637 ÷ 4 = 76,159.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 76,159.25 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:

1 304,637
-1 304,637
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1313179619,827304,637
-1-31-317-961-9,827-304,637

More Examples

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