Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 142,502,849?
A:
Positive:
1 x 14250284953 x 2688733
Negative:
-1 x -142502849-53 x -2688733
A:
Positive:
1 x 14250284953 x 2688733
Negative:
-1 x -142502849-53 x -2688733
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 142,502,849, 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 | 142,502,849 | |
-1 | -142,502,849 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 142,502,849.
Example:
1 x 142,502,849 = 142,502,849
and
-1 x -142,502,849 = 142,502,849
Notice both answers equal 142,502,849
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 142,502,849 and divide it by 2:
142,502,849 ÷ 2 = 71,251,424.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 71,251,424.5 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 | 142,502,849 | |
-1 | -142,502,849 |
Now, we try dividing 142,502,849 by 3:
142,502,849 ÷ 3 = 47,500,949.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 47,500,949.6667 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 | 142,502,849 | |
-1 | -142,502,849 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
142,502,849 ÷ 4 = 35,625,712.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 35,625,712.25 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 | 142,502,849 | |
-1 | 142,502,849 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 53 | 2,688,733 | 142,502,849 |
-1 | -53 | -2,688,733 | -142,502,849 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator