Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 230,789?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23078913 x 1775341 x 5629433 x 533
Negative: -1 x -230789-13 x -17753-41 x -5629-433 x -533


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 230,789?

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 230,789, 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.

1 230,789
-1 -230,789

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 230,789.

Example:
1 x 230,789 = 230,789
and
-1 x -230,789 = 230,789
Notice both answers equal 230,789

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 230,789 and divide it by 2:

230,789 ÷ 2 = 115,394.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,394.5 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:

1 230,789
-1 -230,789

Now, we try dividing 230,789 by 3:

230,789 ÷ 3 = 76,929.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 76,929.6667 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:

1 230,789
-1 -230,789

Let's try dividing by 4:

230,789 ÷ 4 = 57,697.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,697.25 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:

1 230,789
-1 230,789
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113414335335,62917,753230,789
-1-13-41-433-533-5,629-17,753-230,789

More Examples

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