Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 237,623?
A:
Positive:
1 x 237623293 x 811
Negative:
-1 x -237623-293 x -811
A:
Positive:
1 x 237623293 x 811
Negative:
-1 x -237623-293 x -811
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 237,623, 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 | 237,623 | |
-1 | -237,623 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 237,623.
Example:
1 x 237,623 = 237,623
and
-1 x -237,623 = 237,623
Notice both answers equal 237,623
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 237,623 and divide it by 2:
237,623 ÷ 2 = 118,811.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 118,811.5 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 | 237,623 | |
-1 | -237,623 |
Now, we try dividing 237,623 by 3:
237,623 ÷ 3 = 79,207.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,207.6667 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 | 237,623 | |
-1 | -237,623 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
237,623 ÷ 4 = 59,405.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,405.75 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 | 237,623 | |
-1 | 237,623 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 293 | 811 | 237,623 |
-1 | -293 | -811 | -237,623 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator