Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 241,122,017?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2411220179749 x 24733
Negative: -1 x -241122017-9749 x -24733


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 241,122,017?

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 241,122,017, 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.

1 241,122,017
-1 -241,122,017

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 241,122,017.

Example:
1 x 241,122,017 = 241,122,017
and
-1 x -241,122,017 = 241,122,017
Notice both answers equal 241,122,017

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 241,122,017 and divide it by 2:

241,122,017 ÷ 2 = 120,561,008.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 120,561,008.5 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:

1 241,122,017
-1 -241,122,017

Now, we try dividing 241,122,017 by 3:

241,122,017 ÷ 3 = 80,374,005.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,374,005.6667 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:

1 241,122,017
-1 -241,122,017

Let's try dividing by 4:

241,122,017 ÷ 4 = 60,280,504.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,280,504.25 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:

1 241,122,017
-1 241,122,017
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

19,74924,733241,122,017
-1-9,749-24,733-241,122,017

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 241,122,017:


Ask a Question