Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 322,301?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3223017 x 4604341 x 7861287 x 1123
Negative: -1 x -322301-7 x -46043-41 x -7861-287 x -1123


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 322,301?

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 322,301, 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.

1 322,301
-1 -322,301

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 322,301.

Example:
1 x 322,301 = 322,301
and
-1 x -322,301 = 322,301
Notice both answers equal 322,301

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 322,301 and divide it by 2:

322,301 ÷ 2 = 161,150.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,150.5 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:

1 322,301
-1 -322,301

Now, we try dividing 322,301 by 3:

322,301 ÷ 3 = 107,433.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,433.6667 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:

1 322,301
-1 -322,301

Let's try dividing by 4:

322,301 ÷ 4 = 80,575.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,575.25 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:

1 322,301
-1 322,301
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17412871,1237,86146,043322,301
-1-7-41-287-1,123-7,861-46,043-322,301

More Examples

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