Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 241,555?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2415555 x 48311
Negative: -1 x -241555-5 x -48311


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 241,555?

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 241,555, 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.

1 241,555
-1 -241,555

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 241,555.

Example:
1 x 241,555 = 241,555
and
-1 x -241,555 = 241,555
Notice both answers equal 241,555

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 241,555 and divide it by 2:

241,555 ÷ 2 = 120,777.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 120,777.5 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:

1 241,555
-1 -241,555

Now, we try dividing 241,555 by 3:

241,555 ÷ 3 = 80,518.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,518.3333 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:

1 241,555
-1 -241,555

Let's try dividing by 4:

241,555 ÷ 4 = 60,388.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,388.75 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:

1 241,555
-1 241,555
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1548,311241,555
-1-5-48,311-241,555

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 241,555:


Ask a Question