Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 123,023,431?
A:
Positive:
1 x 123023431271 x 453961
Negative:
-1 x -123023431-271 x -453961
A:
Positive:
1 x 123023431271 x 453961
Negative:
-1 x -123023431-271 x -453961
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 123,023,431, 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 | 123,023,431 | |
-1 | -123,023,431 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 123,023,431.
Example:
1 x 123,023,431 = 123,023,431
and
-1 x -123,023,431 = 123,023,431
Notice both answers equal 123,023,431
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 123,023,431 and divide it by 2:
123,023,431 ÷ 2 = 61,511,715.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 61,511,715.5 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 | 123,023,431 | |
-1 | -123,023,431 |
Now, we try dividing 123,023,431 by 3:
123,023,431 ÷ 3 = 41,007,810.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 41,007,810.3333 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 | 123,023,431 | |
-1 | -123,023,431 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
123,023,431 ÷ 4 = 30,755,857.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 30,755,857.75 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 | 123,023,431 | |
-1 | 123,023,431 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 271 | 453,961 | 123,023,431 |
-1 | -271 | -453,961 | -123,023,431 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator