Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,042?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2420422 x 121021
Negative: -1 x -242042-2 x -121021


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 242,042?

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 242,042, 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.

1 242,042
-1 -242,042

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 242,042.

Example:
1 x 242,042 = 242,042
and
-1 x -242,042 = 242,042
Notice both answers equal 242,042

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,042 and divide it by 2:

242,042 ÷ 2 = 121,021

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,021 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 121,021 242,042
-1 -2 -121,021 -242,042

Now, we try dividing 242,042 by 3:

242,042 ÷ 3 = 80,680.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,680.6667 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 2 121,021 242,042
-1 -2 -121,021 -242,042

Let's try dividing by 4:

242,042 ÷ 4 = 60,510.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,510.5 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 2 121,021 242,042
-1 -2 -121,021 242,042
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12121,021242,042
-1-2-121,021-242,042

More Examples

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