Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 246,461?
A:
Positive:
1 x 246461193 x 1277
Negative:
-1 x -246461-193 x -1277
A:
Positive:
1 x 246461193 x 1277
Negative:
-1 x -246461-193 x -1277
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 246,461, 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 | 246,461 | |
-1 | -246,461 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 246,461.
Example:
1 x 246,461 = 246,461
and
-1 x -246,461 = 246,461
Notice both answers equal 246,461
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 246,461 and divide it by 2:
246,461 ÷ 2 = 123,230.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 123,230.5 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 | 246,461 | |
-1 | -246,461 |
Now, we try dividing 246,461 by 3:
246,461 ÷ 3 = 82,153.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,153.6667 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 | 246,461 | |
-1 | -246,461 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
246,461 ÷ 4 = 61,615.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 61,615.25 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 | 246,461 | |
-1 | 246,461 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 193 | 1,277 | 246,461 |
-1 | -193 | -1,277 | -246,461 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator