Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 236,875?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2368755 x 4737525 x 9475125 x 1895379 x 625
Negative: -1 x -236875-5 x -47375-25 x -9475-125 x -1895-379 x -625


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 236,875?

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 236,875, 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.

1 236,875
-1 -236,875

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 236,875.

Example:
1 x 236,875 = 236,875
and
-1 x -236,875 = 236,875
Notice both answers equal 236,875

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 236,875 and divide it by 2:

236,875 ÷ 2 = 118,437.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 118,437.5 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:

1 236,875
-1 -236,875

Now, we try dividing 236,875 by 3:

236,875 ÷ 3 = 78,958.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 78,958.3333 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:

1 236,875
-1 -236,875

Let's try dividing by 4:

236,875 ÷ 4 = 59,218.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,218.75 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:

1 236,875
-1 236,875
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15251253796251,8959,47547,375236,875
-1-5-25-125-379-625-1,895-9,475-47,375-236,875

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 236,875:


Ask a Question