Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,118,823?
A:
Positive:
1 x 24211882314387 x 16829
Negative:
-1 x -242118823-14387 x -16829
A:
Positive:
1 x 24211882314387 x 16829
Negative:
-1 x -242118823-14387 x -16829
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 242,118,823, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 242,118,823 | |
-1 | -242,118,823 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 242,118,823.
Example:
1 x 242,118,823 = 242,118,823
and
-1 x -242,118,823 = 242,118,823
Notice both answers equal 242,118,823
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,118,823 and divide it by 2:
242,118,823 ÷ 2 = 121,059,411.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,059,411.5 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 | 242,118,823 | |
-1 | -242,118,823 |
Now, we try dividing 242,118,823 by 3:
242,118,823 ÷ 3 = 80,706,274.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,706,274.3333 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 | 242,118,823 | |
-1 | -242,118,823 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
242,118,823 ÷ 4 = 60,529,705.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,529,705.75 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 | 242,118,823 | |
-1 | 242,118,823 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 14,387 | 16,829 | 242,118,823 |
-1 | -14,387 | -16,829 | -242,118,823 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator