Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 120,412,231?
A:
Positive:
1 x 12041223161 x 1973971
Negative:
-1 x -120412231-61 x -1973971
A:
Positive:
1 x 12041223161 x 1973971
Negative:
-1 x -120412231-61 x -1973971
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 120,412,231, 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 | 120,412,231 | |
-1 | -120,412,231 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 120,412,231.
Example:
1 x 120,412,231 = 120,412,231
and
-1 x -120,412,231 = 120,412,231
Notice both answers equal 120,412,231
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 120,412,231 and divide it by 2:
120,412,231 ÷ 2 = 60,206,115.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 60,206,115.5 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 | 120,412,231 | |
-1 | -120,412,231 |
Now, we try dividing 120,412,231 by 3:
120,412,231 ÷ 3 = 40,137,410.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 40,137,410.3333 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 | 120,412,231 | |
-1 | -120,412,231 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
120,412,231 ÷ 4 = 30,103,057.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,103,057.75 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 | 120,412,231 | |
-1 | 120,412,231 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 1,973,971 | 120,412,231 |
-1 | -61 | -1,973,971 | -120,412,231 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator