Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 239,747?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23974747 x 5101
Negative:
-1 x -239747-47 x -5101
A:
Positive:
1 x 23974747 x 5101
Negative:
-1 x -239747-47 x -5101
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 239,747, 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 | 239,747 | |
-1 | -239,747 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 239,747.
Example:
1 x 239,747 = 239,747
and
-1 x -239,747 = 239,747
Notice both answers equal 239,747
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 239,747 and divide it by 2:
239,747 ÷ 2 = 119,873.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 119,873.5 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 | 239,747 | |
-1 | -239,747 |
Now, we try dividing 239,747 by 3:
239,747 ÷ 3 = 79,915.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,915.6667 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 | 239,747 | |
-1 | -239,747 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
239,747 ÷ 4 = 59,936.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,936.75 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 | 239,747 | |
-1 | 239,747 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 5,101 | 239,747 |
-1 | -47 | -5,101 | -239,747 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator