Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 12,321,023?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1232102311 x 112009313 x 947771143 x 86161
Negative: -1 x -12321023-11 x -1120093-13 x -947771-143 x -86161


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 12,321,023?

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 12,321,023, 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 12,321,023
-1 -12,321,023

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 12,321,023.

Example:
1 x 12,321,023 = 12,321,023
and
-1 x -12,321,023 = 12,321,023
Notice both answers equal 12,321,023

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,321,023 and divide it by 2:

12,321,023 ÷ 2 = 6,160,511.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,160,511.5 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 12,321,023
-1 -12,321,023

Now, we try dividing 12,321,023 by 3:

12,321,023 ÷ 3 = 4,107,007.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,107,007.6667 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 12,321,023
-1 -12,321,023

Let's try dividing by 4:

12,321,023 ÷ 4 = 3,080,255.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,080,255.75 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 12,321,023
-1 12,321,023
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111314386,161947,7711,120,09312,321,023
-1-11-13-143-86,161-947,771-1,120,093-12,321,023

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 12,321,023:


Ask a Question