Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 233,953?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 233953179 x 1307
Negative: -1 x -233953-179 x -1307


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 233,953?

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 233,953, 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.

1 233,953
-1 -233,953

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 233,953.

Example:
1 x 233,953 = 233,953
and
-1 x -233,953 = 233,953
Notice both answers equal 233,953

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 233,953 and divide it by 2:

233,953 ÷ 2 = 116,976.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 116,976.5 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:

1 233,953
-1 -233,953

Now, we try dividing 233,953 by 3:

233,953 ÷ 3 = 77,984.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,984.3333 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:

1 233,953
-1 -233,953

Let's try dividing by 4:

233,953 ÷ 4 = 58,488.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 58,488.25 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:

1 233,953
-1 233,953
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11791,307233,953
-1-179-1,307-233,953

More Examples

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