Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 229,481?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2294817 x 32783
Negative:
-1 x -229481-7 x -32783
A:
Positive:
1 x 2294817 x 32783
Negative:
-1 x -229481-7 x -32783
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 229,481, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 229,481 | |
-1 | -229,481 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 229,481.
Example:
1 x 229,481 = 229,481
and
-1 x -229,481 = 229,481
Notice both answers equal 229,481
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 229,481 and divide it by 2:
229,481 ÷ 2 = 114,740.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 114,740.5 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 | 229,481 | |
-1 | -229,481 |
Now, we try dividing 229,481 by 3:
229,481 ÷ 3 = 76,493.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 76,493.6667 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 | 229,481 | |
-1 | -229,481 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
229,481 ÷ 4 = 57,370.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,370.25 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 | 229,481 | |
-1 | 229,481 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 32,783 | 229,481 |
-1 | -7 | -32,783 | -229,481 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator