Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 236,431?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23643113 x 18187169 x 1399
Negative:
-1 x -236431-13 x -18187-169 x -1399
A:
Positive:
1 x 23643113 x 18187169 x 1399
Negative:
-1 x -236431-13 x -18187-169 x -1399
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 236,431, 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 | 236,431 | |
-1 | -236,431 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 236,431.
Example:
1 x 236,431 = 236,431
and
-1 x -236,431 = 236,431
Notice both answers equal 236,431
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 236,431 and divide it by 2:
236,431 ÷ 2 = 118,215.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 118,215.5 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 | 236,431 | |
-1 | -236,431 |
Now, we try dividing 236,431 by 3:
236,431 ÷ 3 = 78,810.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 78,810.3333 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 | 236,431 | |
-1 | -236,431 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
236,431 ÷ 4 = 59,107.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,107.75 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 | 236,431 | |
-1 | 236,431 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 169 | 1,399 | 18,187 | 236,431 |
-1 | -13 | -169 | -1,399 | -18,187 | -236,431 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator