Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 240,385?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2403855 x 48077131 x 1835367 x 655
Negative: -1 x -240385-5 x -48077-131 x -1835-367 x -655


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 240,385?

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 240,385, 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.

1 240,385
-1 -240,385

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 240,385.

Example:
1 x 240,385 = 240,385
and
-1 x -240,385 = 240,385
Notice both answers equal 240,385

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 240,385 and divide it by 2:

240,385 ÷ 2 = 120,192.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 120,192.5 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:

1 240,385
-1 -240,385

Now, we try dividing 240,385 by 3:

240,385 ÷ 3 = 80,128.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,128.3333 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:

1 240,385
-1 -240,385

Let's try dividing by 4:

240,385 ÷ 4 = 60,096.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,096.25 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:

1 240,385
-1 240,385
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

151313676551,83548,077240,385
-1-5-131-367-655-1,835-48,077-240,385

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 240,385:


Ask a Question