Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 246,425?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2464255 x 4928525 x 9857
Negative: -1 x -246425-5 x -49285-25 x -9857


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 246,425?

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 246,425, 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.

1 246,425
-1 -246,425

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 246,425.

Example:
1 x 246,425 = 246,425
and
-1 x -246,425 = 246,425
Notice both answers equal 246,425

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 246,425 and divide it by 2:

246,425 ÷ 2 = 123,212.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 123,212.5 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:

1 246,425
-1 -246,425

Now, we try dividing 246,425 by 3:

246,425 ÷ 3 = 82,141.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,141.6667 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:

1 246,425
-1 -246,425

Let's try dividing by 4:

246,425 ÷ 4 = 61,606.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 61,606.25 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:

1 246,425
-1 246,425
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15259,85749,285246,425
-1-5-25-9,857-49,285-246,425

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 246,425:


Ask a Question