Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 140,845,831?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1408458317 x 20120833
Negative:
-1 x -140845831-7 x -20120833
A:
Positive:
1 x 1408458317 x 20120833
Negative:
-1 x -140845831-7 x -20120833
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 140,845,831, 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 | 140,845,831 | |
-1 | -140,845,831 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 140,845,831.
Example:
1 x 140,845,831 = 140,845,831
and
-1 x -140,845,831 = 140,845,831
Notice both answers equal 140,845,831
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 140,845,831 and divide it by 2:
140,845,831 ÷ 2 = 70,422,915.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 70,422,915.5 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 | 140,845,831 | |
-1 | -140,845,831 |
Now, we try dividing 140,845,831 by 3:
140,845,831 ÷ 3 = 46,948,610.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 46,948,610.3333 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 | 140,845,831 | |
-1 | -140,845,831 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
140,845,831 ÷ 4 = 35,211,457.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,211,457.75 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 | 140,845,831 | |
-1 | 140,845,831 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 20,120,833 | 140,845,831 |
-1 | -7 | -20,120,833 | -140,845,831 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator