Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 233,041?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23304153 x 4397
Negative: -1 x -233041-53 x -4397


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 233,041?

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 233,041, 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.

1 233,041
-1 -233,041

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 233,041.

Example:
1 x 233,041 = 233,041
and
-1 x -233,041 = 233,041
Notice both answers equal 233,041

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 233,041 and divide it by 2:

233,041 ÷ 2 = 116,520.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 116,520.5 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:

1 233,041
-1 -233,041

Now, we try dividing 233,041 by 3:

233,041 ÷ 3 = 77,680.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,680.3333 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:

1 233,041
-1 -233,041

Let's try dividing by 4:

233,041 ÷ 4 = 58,260.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 58,260.25 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:

1 233,041
-1 233,041
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1534,397233,041
-1-53-4,397-233,041

More Examples

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