Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 268,453?
A:
Positive:
1 x 26845329 x 9257
Negative:
-1 x -268453-29 x -9257
A:
Positive:
1 x 26845329 x 9257
Negative:
-1 x -268453-29 x -9257
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 268,453, 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 | 268,453 | |
-1 | -268,453 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 268,453.
Example:
1 x 268,453 = 268,453
and
-1 x -268,453 = 268,453
Notice both answers equal 268,453
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 268,453 and divide it by 2:
268,453 ÷ 2 = 134,226.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 134,226.5 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 | 268,453 | |
-1 | -268,453 |
Now, we try dividing 268,453 by 3:
268,453 ÷ 3 = 89,484.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 89,484.3333 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 | 268,453 | |
-1 | -268,453 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
268,453 ÷ 4 = 67,113.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 67,113.25 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 | 268,453 | |
-1 | 268,453 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 29 | 9,257 | 268,453 |
-1 | -29 | -9,257 | -268,453 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator