Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,540,501?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2425405017 x 34648643
Negative:
-1 x -242540501-7 x -34648643
A:
Positive:
1 x 2425405017 x 34648643
Negative:
-1 x -242540501-7 x -34648643
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 242,540,501, 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 | 242,540,501 | |
-1 | -242,540,501 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 242,540,501.
Example:
1 x 242,540,501 = 242,540,501
and
-1 x -242,540,501 = 242,540,501
Notice both answers equal 242,540,501
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,540,501 and divide it by 2:
242,540,501 ÷ 2 = 121,270,250.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,270,250.5 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 | 242,540,501 | |
-1 | -242,540,501 |
Now, we try dividing 242,540,501 by 3:
242,540,501 ÷ 3 = 80,846,833.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,846,833.6667 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 | 242,540,501 | |
-1 | -242,540,501 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
242,540,501 ÷ 4 = 60,635,125.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,635,125.25 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 | 242,540,501 | |
-1 | 242,540,501 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 34,648,643 | 242,540,501 |
-1 | -7 | -34,648,643 | -242,540,501 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator