Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,029?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 24202917 x 1423723 x 10523391 x 619
Negative: -1 x -242029-17 x -14237-23 x -10523-391 x -619


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 242,029?

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 242,029, 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.

1 242,029
-1 -242,029

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 242,029.

Example:
1 x 242,029 = 242,029
and
-1 x -242,029 = 242,029
Notice both answers equal 242,029

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,029 and divide it by 2:

242,029 ÷ 2 = 121,014.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,014.5 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:

1 242,029
-1 -242,029

Now, we try dividing 242,029 by 3:

242,029 ÷ 3 = 80,676.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,676.3333 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:

1 242,029
-1 -242,029

Let's try dividing by 4:

242,029 ÷ 4 = 60,507.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,507.25 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:

1 242,029
-1 242,029
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1172339161910,52314,237242,029
-1-17-23-391-619-10,523-14,237-242,029

More Examples

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