Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 238,273,081?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23827308137 x 64398131369 x 174049
Negative: -1 x -238273081-37 x -6439813-1369 x -174049


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 238,273,081?

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 238,273,081, 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.

1 238,273,081
-1 -238,273,081

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 238,273,081.

Example:
1 x 238,273,081 = 238,273,081
and
-1 x -238,273,081 = 238,273,081
Notice both answers equal 238,273,081

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 238,273,081 and divide it by 2:

238,273,081 ÷ 2 = 119,136,540.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 119,136,540.5 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:

1 238,273,081
-1 -238,273,081

Now, we try dividing 238,273,081 by 3:

238,273,081 ÷ 3 = 79,424,360.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,424,360.3333 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:

1 238,273,081
-1 -238,273,081

Let's try dividing by 4:

238,273,081 ÷ 4 = 59,568,270.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,568,270.25 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:

1 238,273,081
-1 238,273,081
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1371,369174,0496,439,813238,273,081
-1-37-1,369-174,049-6,439,813-238,273,081

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 238,273,081:


Ask a Question