Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 238,763?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2387637 x 3410923 x 10381161 x 1483
Negative: -1 x -238763-7 x -34109-23 x -10381-161 x -1483


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 238,763?

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 238,763, 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.

1 238,763
-1 -238,763

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 238,763.

Example:
1 x 238,763 = 238,763
and
-1 x -238,763 = 238,763
Notice both answers equal 238,763

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 238,763 and divide it by 2:

238,763 ÷ 2 = 119,381.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 119,381.5 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:

1 238,763
-1 -238,763

Now, we try dividing 238,763 by 3:

238,763 ÷ 3 = 79,587.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,587.6667 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:

1 238,763
-1 -238,763

Let's try dividing by 4:

238,763 ÷ 4 = 59,690.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,690.75 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:

1 238,763
-1 238,763
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17231611,48310,38134,109238,763
-1-7-23-161-1,483-10,381-34,109-238,763

More Examples

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