Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 237,941?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23794111 x 2163197 x 2453223 x 1067
Negative: -1 x -237941-11 x -21631-97 x -2453-223 x -1067


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 237,941?

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 237,941, 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.

1 237,941
-1 -237,941

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 237,941.

Example:
1 x 237,941 = 237,941
and
-1 x -237,941 = 237,941
Notice both answers equal 237,941

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 237,941 and divide it by 2:

237,941 ÷ 2 = 118,970.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 118,970.5 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:

1 237,941
-1 -237,941

Now, we try dividing 237,941 by 3:

237,941 ÷ 3 = 79,313.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,313.6667 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:

1 237,941
-1 -237,941

Let's try dividing by 4:

237,941 ÷ 4 = 59,485.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,485.25 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:

1 237,941
-1 237,941
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111972231,0672,45321,631237,941
-1-11-97-223-1,067-2,453-21,631-237,941

More Examples

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