Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 29,239?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 292397 x 4177
Negative: -1 x -29239-7 x -4177


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 29,239?

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 29,239, 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 29,239
-1 -29,239

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 29,239.

Example:
1 x 29,239 = 29,239
and
-1 x -29,239 = 29,239
Notice both answers equal 29,239

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 29,239 and divide it by 2:

29,239 ÷ 2 = 14,619.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 14,619.5 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 29,239
-1 -29,239

Now, we try dividing 29,239 by 3:

29,239 ÷ 3 = 9,746.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 9,746.3333 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 29,239
-1 -29,239

Let's try dividing by 4:

29,239 ÷ 4 = 7,309.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,309.75 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 29,239
-1 29,239
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

174,17729,239
-1-7-4,177-29,239

More Examples

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