Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 984?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 9842 x 4923 x 3284 x 2466 x 1648 x 12312 x 8224 x 41
Negative: -1 x -984-2 x -492-3 x -328-4 x -246-6 x -164-8 x -123-12 x -82-24 x -41


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 984?

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 984, 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.

1 984
-1 -984

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 984.

Example:
1 x 984 = 984
and
-1 x -984 = 984
Notice both answers equal 984

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 984 and divide it by 2:

984 ÷ 2 = 492

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 492 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 2 492 984
-1 -2 -492 -984

Now, we try dividing 984 by 3:

984 ÷ 3 = 328

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 328 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 3 328 492 984
-1 -2 -3 -328 -492 -984

Let's try dividing by 4:

984 ÷ 4 = 246

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 246 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 3 4 246 328 492 984
-1 -2 -3 -4 -246 -328 -492 984
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12346812244182123164246328492984
-1-2-3-4-6-8-12-24-41-82-123-164-246-328-492-984

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

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