How to Find the Factors of a Number With a Calculator
In mathematics, the factors of a number are the whole numbers that can be multiplied together to equal that number. Another way of looking at it would be to say the factors of a number are integers that a number can be evenly divided by. Every number besides one has at least two factors: one and itself. Factorization is used to determine if a number is a prime number or a composite number. A prime number is a number that only has two factors, and a composite number is a number that has multiple factors.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Write down "1" and the number you are factoring first. For this example, use the number 24.
-
2
Divide 24 by the next number following one using the calculator. Enter "24," then the division sign, then "2" and finally the equal sign. So 24 divided by 2 equals 12. Write down 2 and 12. The object is to close the gap you started with between 1 and 24.
-
-
3
Divide 24 by the next number in the gap, 3, using the calculator. So 24 divided by 3 equals 8. Write down 3 and 8.
-
4
Divide 24 by the next number, 4, obtaining the quotient 6. Write down 4 and 6. This only leaves one number left in the gap, 5. But 5 cannot be evenly divided into 24, so you have discovered all the factors. This process of elimination can be applied to any number, no matter how large.
-
1
