Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 12,451,427?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1245142779 x 157613277 x 44951569 x 21883
Negative: -1 x -12451427-79 x -157613-277 x -44951-569 x -21883


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 12,451,427?

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 12,451,427, 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 12,451,427
-1 -12,451,427

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 12,451,427.

Example:
1 x 12,451,427 = 12,451,427
and
-1 x -12,451,427 = 12,451,427
Notice both answers equal 12,451,427

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 12,451,427 and divide it by 2:

12,451,427 ÷ 2 = 6,225,713.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 6,225,713.5 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 12,451,427
-1 -12,451,427

Now, we try dividing 12,451,427 by 3:

12,451,427 ÷ 3 = 4,150,475.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 4,150,475.6667 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 12,451,427
-1 -12,451,427

Let's try dividing by 4:

12,451,427 ÷ 4 = 3,112,856.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,112,856.75 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 12,451,427
-1 12,451,427
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17927756921,88344,951157,61312,451,427
-1-79-277-569-21,883-44,951-157,613-12,451,427

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 12,451,427:


Ask a Question