Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 102,321,817?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 10232181713 x 7870909
Negative: -1 x -102321817-13 x -7870909


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 102,321,817?

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 102,321,817, 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.

1 102,321,817
-1 -102,321,817

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 102,321,817.

Example:
1 x 102,321,817 = 102,321,817
and
-1 x -102,321,817 = 102,321,817
Notice both answers equal 102,321,817

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 102,321,817 and divide it by 2:

102,321,817 ÷ 2 = 51,160,908.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 51,160,908.5 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:

1 102,321,817
-1 -102,321,817

Now, we try dividing 102,321,817 by 3:

102,321,817 ÷ 3 = 34,107,272.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 34,107,272.3333 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:

1 102,321,817
-1 -102,321,817

Let's try dividing by 4:

102,321,817 ÷ 4 = 25,580,454.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 25,580,454.25 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:

1 102,321,817
-1 102,321,817
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1137,870,909102,321,817
-1-13-7,870,909-102,321,817

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 102,321,817:


Ask a Question