Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 245,242,421?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2452424216329 x 38749
Negative:
-1 x -245242421-6329 x -38749
A:
Positive:
1 x 2452424216329 x 38749
Negative:
-1 x -245242421-6329 x -38749
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 245,242,421, 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 | 245,242,421 | |
-1 | -245,242,421 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 245,242,421.
Example:
1 x 245,242,421 = 245,242,421
and
-1 x -245,242,421 = 245,242,421
Notice both answers equal 245,242,421
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 245,242,421 and divide it by 2:
245,242,421 ÷ 2 = 122,621,210.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 122,621,210.5 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 | 245,242,421 | |
-1 | -245,242,421 |
Now, we try dividing 245,242,421 by 3:
245,242,421 ÷ 3 = 81,747,473.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 81,747,473.6667 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 | 245,242,421 | |
-1 | -245,242,421 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
245,242,421 ÷ 4 = 61,310,605.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 61,310,605.25 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 | 245,242,421 | |
-1 | 245,242,421 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 6,329 | 38,749 | 245,242,421 |
-1 | -6,329 | -38,749 | -245,242,421 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator