Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 243,793?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 24379311 x 2216337 x 6589407 x 599
Negative: -1 x -243793-11 x -22163-37 x -6589-407 x -599


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 243,793?

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 243,793, 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.

1 243,793
-1 -243,793

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 243,793.

Example:
1 x 243,793 = 243,793
and
-1 x -243,793 = 243,793
Notice both answers equal 243,793

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 243,793 and divide it by 2:

243,793 ÷ 2 = 121,896.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,896.5 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:

1 243,793
-1 -243,793

Now, we try dividing 243,793 by 3:

243,793 ÷ 3 = 81,264.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 81,264.3333 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:

1 243,793
-1 -243,793

Let's try dividing by 4:

243,793 ÷ 4 = 60,948.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,948.25 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:

1 243,793
-1 243,793
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111374075996,58922,163243,793
-1-11-37-407-599-6,589-22,163-243,793

More Examples

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