Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 230,473?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23047337 x 6229
Negative:
-1 x -230473-37 x -6229
A:
Positive:
1 x 23047337 x 6229
Negative:
-1 x -230473-37 x -6229
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 230,473, 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 | 230,473 | |
-1 | -230,473 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 230,473.
Example:
1 x 230,473 = 230,473
and
-1 x -230,473 = 230,473
Notice both answers equal 230,473
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 230,473 and divide it by 2:
230,473 ÷ 2 = 115,236.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,236.5 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 | 230,473 | |
-1 | -230,473 |
Now, we try dividing 230,473 by 3:
230,473 ÷ 3 = 76,824.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 76,824.3333 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 | 230,473 | |
-1 | -230,473 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
230,473 ÷ 4 = 57,618.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,618.25 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 | 230,473 | |
-1 | 230,473 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 37 | 6,229 | 230,473 |
-1 | -37 | -6,229 | -230,473 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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