Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 354,604?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3546042 x 1773024 x 88651
Negative: -1 x -354604-2 x -177302-4 x -88651


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 354,604?

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 354,604, 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.

1 354,604
-1 -354,604

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 354,604.

Example:
1 x 354,604 = 354,604
and
-1 x -354,604 = 354,604
Notice both answers equal 354,604

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 354,604 and divide it by 2:

354,604 ÷ 2 = 177,302

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 177,302 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 2 177,302 354,604
-1 -2 -177,302 -354,604

Now, we try dividing 354,604 by 3:

354,604 ÷ 3 = 118,201.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 118,201.3333 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 2 177,302 354,604
-1 -2 -177,302 -354,604

Let's try dividing by 4:

354,604 ÷ 4 = 88,651

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 88,651 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 4 88,651 177,302 354,604
-1 -2 -4 -88,651 -177,302 354,604
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12488,651177,302354,604
-1-2-4-88,651-177,302-354,604

More Examples

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