Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 247,654,039?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2476540391979 x 125141
Negative: -1 x -247654039-1979 x -125141


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 247,654,039?

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 247,654,039, 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.

1 247,654,039
-1 -247,654,039

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 247,654,039.

Example:
1 x 247,654,039 = 247,654,039
and
-1 x -247,654,039 = 247,654,039
Notice both answers equal 247,654,039

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 247,654,039 and divide it by 2:

247,654,039 ÷ 2 = 123,827,019.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 123,827,019.5 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:

1 247,654,039
-1 -247,654,039

Now, we try dividing 247,654,039 by 3:

247,654,039 ÷ 3 = 82,551,346.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,551,346.3333 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:

1 247,654,039
-1 -247,654,039

Let's try dividing by 4:

247,654,039 ÷ 4 = 61,913,509.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 61,913,509.75 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:

1 247,654,039
-1 247,654,039
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11,979125,141247,654,039
-1-1,979-125,141-247,654,039

More Examples

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