Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,252,245?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2422522455 x 48450449283 x 8560151415 x 171203
Negative: -1 x -242252245-5 x -48450449-283 x -856015-1415 x -171203


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 242,252,245?

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 242,252,245, 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.

1 242,252,245
-1 -242,252,245

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 242,252,245.

Example:
1 x 242,252,245 = 242,252,245
and
-1 x -242,252,245 = 242,252,245
Notice both answers equal 242,252,245

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,252,245 and divide it by 2:

242,252,245 ÷ 2 = 121,126,122.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,126,122.5 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:

1 242,252,245
-1 -242,252,245

Now, we try dividing 242,252,245 by 3:

242,252,245 ÷ 3 = 80,750,748.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,750,748.3333 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:

1 242,252,245
-1 -242,252,245

Let's try dividing by 4:

242,252,245 ÷ 4 = 60,563,061.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,563,061.25 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:

1 242,252,245
-1 242,252,245
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

152831,415171,203856,01548,450,449242,252,245
-1-5-283-1,415-171,203-856,015-48,450,449-242,252,245

More Examples

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