Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 239,797?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23979737 x 6481
Negative:
-1 x -239797-37 x -6481
A:
Positive:
1 x 23979737 x 6481
Negative:
-1 x -239797-37 x -6481
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 239,797, 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 | 239,797 | |
-1 | -239,797 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 239,797.
Example:
1 x 239,797 = 239,797
and
-1 x -239,797 = 239,797
Notice both answers equal 239,797
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 239,797 and divide it by 2:
239,797 ÷ 2 = 119,898.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 119,898.5 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 | 239,797 | |
-1 | -239,797 |
Now, we try dividing 239,797 by 3:
239,797 ÷ 3 = 79,932.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 79,932.3333 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 | 239,797 | |
-1 | -239,797 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
239,797 ÷ 4 = 59,949.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,949.25 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 | 239,797 | |
-1 | 239,797 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 37 | 6,481 | 239,797 |
-1 | -37 | -6,481 | -239,797 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator