Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 248,408?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2484082 x 1242044 x 621028 x 31051
Negative: -1 x -248408-2 x -124204-4 x -62102-8 x -31051


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 248,408?

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 248,408, 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.

1 248,408
-1 -248,408

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 248,408.

Example:
1 x 248,408 = 248,408
and
-1 x -248,408 = 248,408
Notice both answers equal 248,408

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 248,408 and divide it by 2:

248,408 ÷ 2 = 124,204

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 124,204 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 124,204 248,408
-1 -2 -124,204 -248,408

Now, we try dividing 248,408 by 3:

248,408 ÷ 3 = 82,802.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 82,802.6667 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 2 124,204 248,408
-1 -2 -124,204 -248,408

Let's try dividing by 4:

248,408 ÷ 4 = 62,102

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 62,102 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 62,102 124,204 248,408
-1 -2 -4 -62,102 -124,204 248,408
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124831,05162,102124,204248,408
-1-2-4-8-31,051-62,102-124,204-248,408

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 248,408:


Ask a Question