Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 298,951?
A:
Positive:
1 x 29895189 x 3359
Negative:
-1 x -298951-89 x -3359
A:
Positive:
1 x 29895189 x 3359
Negative:
-1 x -298951-89 x -3359
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 298,951, 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 | 298,951 | |
-1 | -298,951 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 298,951.
Example:
1 x 298,951 = 298,951
and
-1 x -298,951 = 298,951
Notice both answers equal 298,951
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 298,951 and divide it by 2:
298,951 ÷ 2 = 149,475.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 149,475.5 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 | 298,951 | |
-1 | -298,951 |
Now, we try dividing 298,951 by 3:
298,951 ÷ 3 = 99,650.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,650.3333 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 | 298,951 | |
-1 | -298,951 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
298,951 ÷ 4 = 74,737.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,737.75 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 | 298,951 | |
-1 | 298,951 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 89 | 3,359 | 298,951 |
-1 | -89 | -3,359 | -298,951 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator