Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 240,405,037?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 240405037
Negative: -1 x -240405037


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 240,405,037?

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 240,405,037, 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.

1 240,405,037
-1 -240,405,037

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 240,405,037.

Example:
1 x 240,405,037 = 240,405,037
and
-1 x -240,405,037 = 240,405,037
Notice both answers equal 240,405,037

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 240,405,037 and divide it by 2:

240,405,037 ÷ 2 = 120,202,518.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 120,202,518.5 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:

1 240,405,037
-1 -240,405,037

Now, we try dividing 240,405,037 by 3:

240,405,037 ÷ 3 = 80,135,012.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,135,012.3333 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:

1 240,405,037
-1 -240,405,037

Let's try dividing by 4:

240,405,037 ÷ 4 = 60,101,259.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,101,259.25 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:

1 240,405,037
-1 240,405,037
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1240,405,037
-1-240,405,037

More Examples

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