Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 248,405?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2484055 x 49681
Negative:
-1 x -248405-5 x -49681
A:
Positive:
1 x 2484055 x 49681
Negative:
-1 x -248405-5 x -49681
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 248,405, 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 | 248,405 | |
-1 | -248,405 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 248,405.
Example:
1 x 248,405 = 248,405
and
-1 x -248,405 = 248,405
Notice both answers equal 248,405
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 248,405 and divide it by 2:
248,405 ÷ 2 = 124,202.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 124,202.5 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 | 248,405 | |
-1 | -248,405 |
Now, we try dividing 248,405 by 3:
248,405 ÷ 3 = 82,801.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,801.6667 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 | 248,405 | |
-1 | -248,405 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
248,405 ÷ 4 = 62,101.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 62,101.25 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 | 248,405 | |
-1 | 248,405 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 49,681 | 248,405 |
-1 | -5 | -49,681 | -248,405 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator