Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 234,923?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23492313 x 1807117 x 13819221 x 1063
Negative: -1 x -234923-13 x -18071-17 x -13819-221 x -1063


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 234,923?

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 234,923, 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.

1 234,923
-1 -234,923

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 234,923.

Example:
1 x 234,923 = 234,923
and
-1 x -234,923 = 234,923
Notice both answers equal 234,923

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 234,923 and divide it by 2:

234,923 ÷ 2 = 117,461.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 117,461.5 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:

1 234,923
-1 -234,923

Now, we try dividing 234,923 by 3:

234,923 ÷ 3 = 78,307.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 78,307.6667 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:

1 234,923
-1 -234,923

Let's try dividing by 4:

234,923 ÷ 4 = 58,730.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 58,730.75 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:

1 234,923
-1 234,923
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

113172211,06313,81918,071234,923
-1-13-17-221-1,063-13,819-18,071-234,923

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 234,923:


Ask a Question