Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 151,421,509?
A:
Positive:
1 x 1514215098971 x 16879
Negative:
-1 x -151421509-8971 x -16879
A:
Positive:
1 x 1514215098971 x 16879
Negative:
-1 x -151421509-8971 x -16879
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 151,421,509, 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 | 151,421,509 | |
-1 | -151,421,509 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 151,421,509.
Example:
1 x 151,421,509 = 151,421,509
and
-1 x -151,421,509 = 151,421,509
Notice both answers equal 151,421,509
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 151,421,509 and divide it by 2:
151,421,509 ÷ 2 = 75,710,754.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 75,710,754.5 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 | 151,421,509 | |
-1 | -151,421,509 |
Now, we try dividing 151,421,509 by 3:
151,421,509 ÷ 3 = 50,473,836.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 50,473,836.3333 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 | 151,421,509 | |
-1 | -151,421,509 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
151,421,509 ÷ 4 = 37,855,377.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 37,855,377.25 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 | 151,421,509 | |
-1 | 151,421,509 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 8,971 | 16,879 | 151,421,509 |
-1 | -8,971 | -16,879 | -151,421,509 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator