Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,233,315?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2422333155 x 48446663
Negative: -1 x -242233315-5 x -48446663


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 242,233,315?

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 242,233,315, 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.

1 242,233,315
-1 -242,233,315

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 242,233,315.

Example:
1 x 242,233,315 = 242,233,315
and
-1 x -242,233,315 = 242,233,315
Notice both answers equal 242,233,315

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,233,315 and divide it by 2:

242,233,315 ÷ 2 = 121,116,657.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,116,657.5 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:

1 242,233,315
-1 -242,233,315

Now, we try dividing 242,233,315 by 3:

242,233,315 ÷ 3 = 80,744,438.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,744,438.3333 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:

1 242,233,315
-1 -242,233,315

Let's try dividing by 4:

242,233,315 ÷ 4 = 60,558,328.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,558,328.75 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:

1 242,233,315
-1 242,233,315
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1548,446,663242,233,315
-1-5-48,446,663-242,233,315

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 242,233,315:


Ask a Question