Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 128,318,021?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 12831802113 x 987061731 x 4139291403 x 318407
Negative: -1 x -128318021-13 x -9870617-31 x -4139291-403 x -318407


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 128,318,021?

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 128,318,021, 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.

1 128,318,021
-1 -128,318,021

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 128,318,021.

Example:
1 x 128,318,021 = 128,318,021
and
-1 x -128,318,021 = 128,318,021
Notice both answers equal 128,318,021

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 128,318,021 and divide it by 2:

128,318,021 ÷ 2 = 64,159,010.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 64,159,010.5 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:

1 128,318,021
-1 -128,318,021

Now, we try dividing 128,318,021 by 3:

128,318,021 ÷ 3 = 42,772,673.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 42,772,673.6667 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:

1 128,318,021
-1 -128,318,021

Let's try dividing by 4:

128,318,021 ÷ 4 = 32,079,505.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 32,079,505.25 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:

1 128,318,021
-1 128,318,021
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11331403318,4074,139,2919,870,617128,318,021
-1-13-31-403-318,407-4,139,291-9,870,617-128,318,021

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 128,318,021:


Ask a Question