Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 322,285?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3222855 x 6445743 x 7495215 x 1499
Negative: -1 x -322285-5 x -64457-43 x -7495-215 x -1499


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 322,285?

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 322,285, 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.

1 322,285
-1 -322,285

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 322,285.

Example:
1 x 322,285 = 322,285
and
-1 x -322,285 = 322,285
Notice both answers equal 322,285

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 322,285 and divide it by 2:

322,285 ÷ 2 = 161,142.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,142.5 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:

1 322,285
-1 -322,285

Now, we try dividing 322,285 by 3:

322,285 ÷ 3 = 107,428.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,428.3333 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:

1 322,285
-1 -322,285

Let's try dividing by 4:

322,285 ÷ 4 = 80,571.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,571.25 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:

1 322,285
-1 322,285
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15432151,4997,49564,457322,285
-1-5-43-215-1,499-7,495-64,457-322,285

More Examples

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