Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 319,702?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3197022 x 15985117 x 1880634 x 9403
Negative: -1 x -319702-2 x -159851-17 x -18806-34 x -9403


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 319,702?

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 319,702, 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.

1 319,702
-1 -319,702

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 319,702.

Example:
1 x 319,702 = 319,702
and
-1 x -319,702 = 319,702
Notice both answers equal 319,702

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 319,702 and divide it by 2:

319,702 ÷ 2 = 159,851

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 159,851 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 159,851 319,702
-1 -2 -159,851 -319,702

Now, we try dividing 319,702 by 3:

319,702 ÷ 3 = 106,567.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 106,567.3333 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 2 159,851 319,702
-1 -2 -159,851 -319,702

Let's try dividing by 4:

319,702 ÷ 4 = 79,925.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 79,925.5 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 2 159,851 319,702
-1 -2 -159,851 319,702
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1217349,40318,806159,851319,702
-1-2-17-34-9,403-18,806-159,851-319,702

More Examples

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