Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 299,459?
A:
Positive:
1 x 29945919 x 15761
Negative:
-1 x -299459-19 x -15761
A:
Positive:
1 x 29945919 x 15761
Negative:
-1 x -299459-19 x -15761
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 299,459, 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 | 299,459 | |
-1 | -299,459 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 299,459.
Example:
1 x 299,459 = 299,459
and
-1 x -299,459 = 299,459
Notice both answers equal 299,459
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 299,459 and divide it by 2:
299,459 ÷ 2 = 149,729.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 149,729.5 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 | 299,459 | |
-1 | -299,459 |
Now, we try dividing 299,459 by 3:
299,459 ÷ 3 = 99,819.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 99,819.6667 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 | 299,459 | |
-1 | -299,459 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
299,459 ÷ 4 = 74,864.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 74,864.75 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 | 299,459 | |
-1 | 299,459 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 15,761 | 299,459 |
-1 | -19 | -15,761 | -299,459 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator