Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 376?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3762 x 1884 x 948 x 47
Negative: -1 x -376-2 x -188-4 x -94-8 x -47


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 376?

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 376, 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.

1 376
-1 -376

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 376.

Example:
1 x 376 = 376
and
-1 x -376 = 376
Notice both answers equal 376

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 376 and divide it by 2:

376 ÷ 2 = 188

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 188 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 2 188 376
-1 -2 -188 -376

Now, we try dividing 376 by 3:

376 ÷ 3 = 125.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 125.3333 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 2 188 376
-1 -2 -188 -376

Let's try dividing by 4:

376 ÷ 4 = 94

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 94 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 94 188 376
-1 -2 -4 -94 -188 376
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12484794188376
-1-2-4-8-47-94-188-376

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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