Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 246,089?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 24608943 x 572359 x 417197 x 2537
Negative: -1 x -246089-43 x -5723-59 x -4171-97 x -2537


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 246,089?

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 246,089, 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.

1 246,089
-1 -246,089

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 246,089.

Example:
1 x 246,089 = 246,089
and
-1 x -246,089 = 246,089
Notice both answers equal 246,089

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 246,089 and divide it by 2:

246,089 ÷ 2 = 123,044.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 123,044.5 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:

1 246,089
-1 -246,089

Now, we try dividing 246,089 by 3:

246,089 ÷ 3 = 82,029.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,029.6667 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:

1 246,089
-1 -246,089

Let's try dividing by 4:

246,089 ÷ 4 = 61,522.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 61,522.25 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:

1 246,089
-1 246,089
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

14359972,5374,1715,723246,089
-1-43-59-97-2,537-4,171-5,723-246,089

More Examples

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