Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 232,657?
A:
Positive:
1 x 232657197 x 1181
Negative:
-1 x -232657-197 x -1181
A:
Positive:
1 x 232657197 x 1181
Negative:
-1 x -232657-197 x -1181
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 232,657, 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 | 232,657 | |
-1 | -232,657 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 232,657.
Example:
1 x 232,657 = 232,657
and
-1 x -232,657 = 232,657
Notice both answers equal 232,657
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 232,657 and divide it by 2:
232,657 ÷ 2 = 116,328.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 116,328.5 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 | 232,657 | |
-1 | -232,657 |
Now, we try dividing 232,657 by 3:
232,657 ÷ 3 = 77,552.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,552.3333 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 | 232,657 | |
-1 | -232,657 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
232,657 ÷ 4 = 58,164.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 58,164.25 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 | 232,657 | |
-1 | 232,657 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 197 | 1,181 | 232,657 |
-1 | -197 | -1,181 | -232,657 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator