Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 388,337?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 38833731 x 12527
Negative: -1 x -388337-31 x -12527


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 388,337?

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 388,337, 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.

1 388,337
-1 -388,337

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 388,337.

Example:
1 x 388,337 = 388,337
and
-1 x -388,337 = 388,337
Notice both answers equal 388,337

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 388,337 and divide it by 2:

388,337 ÷ 2 = 194,168.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 194,168.5 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:

1 388,337
-1 -388,337

Now, we try dividing 388,337 by 3:

388,337 ÷ 3 = 129,445.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 129,445.6667 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:

1 388,337
-1 -388,337

Let's try dividing by 4:

388,337 ÷ 4 = 97,084.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 97,084.25 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:

1 388,337
-1 388,337
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13112,527388,337
-1-31-12,527-388,337

More Examples

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