How to find the factors of a number with a calculator

In mathematics, the factors of a number are the integers that can be multiplied together to equal that number. Another way of looking at it would be to say that the factors of a number are integers by which a number is divisible. Each number, in addition to one has at least two factors: one and himself. Factoring is used to determine if a number is a prime number or a composite number. A prime number is a number that has only two factors, and a compound number is a number that has multiple factors.

• Calculator

one

Enter "1" and the number you are going to factor into first. For this example, use the number 24.

two

Divide 24 by the next number using the calculator. Write "24", then the division sign, then "2" and finally the equal sign. So 24 divided by 2 is equal to 12. Write 2 and 12. The goal is to close the gap that started 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 3 and 8.

4

Divide 24 by the next number, 4, getting the quotient 6. Write 4 and 6. This leaves only one number in the gap, 5. But 5 can not be divided into 24, so you have discovered all the factors. This elimination process can be applied to any number, no matter how big it is.