Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,615,603?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 242615603
Negative: -1 x -242615603


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 242,615,603?

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 242,615,603, 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.

1 242,615,603
-1 -242,615,603

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 242,615,603.

Example:
1 x 242,615,603 = 242,615,603
and
-1 x -242,615,603 = 242,615,603
Notice both answers equal 242,615,603

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,615,603 and divide it by 2:

242,615,603 ÷ 2 = 121,307,801.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,307,801.5 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:

1 242,615,603
-1 -242,615,603

Now, we try dividing 242,615,603 by 3:

242,615,603 ÷ 3 = 80,871,867.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,871,867.6667 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:

1 242,615,603
-1 -242,615,603

Let's try dividing by 4:

242,615,603 ÷ 4 = 60,653,900.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,653,900.75 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:

1 242,615,603
-1 242,615,603
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1242,615,603
-1-242,615,603

More Examples

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