Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 131,002,331?
A:
Positive:
1 x 131002331359 x 364909
Negative:
-1 x -131002331-359 x -364909
A:
Positive:
1 x 131002331359 x 364909
Negative:
-1 x -131002331-359 x -364909
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 131,002,331, 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 | 131,002,331 | |
-1 | -131,002,331 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 131,002,331.
Example:
1 x 131,002,331 = 131,002,331
and
-1 x -131,002,331 = 131,002,331
Notice both answers equal 131,002,331
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 131,002,331 and divide it by 2:
131,002,331 ÷ 2 = 65,501,165.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 65,501,165.5 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 | 131,002,331 | |
-1 | -131,002,331 |
Now, we try dividing 131,002,331 by 3:
131,002,331 ÷ 3 = 43,667,443.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 43,667,443.6667 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 | 131,002,331 | |
-1 | -131,002,331 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
131,002,331 ÷ 4 = 32,750,582.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 32,750,582.75 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 | 131,002,331 | |
-1 | 131,002,331 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 359 | 364,909 | 131,002,331 |
-1 | -359 | -364,909 | -131,002,331 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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