Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 15,500,125?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 155001255 x 310002525 x 620005125 x 124001
Negative: -1 x -15500125-5 x -3100025-25 x -620005-125 x -124001


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 15,500,125?

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 15,500,125, 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 15,500,125
-1 -15,500,125

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 15,500,125.

Example:
1 x 15,500,125 = 15,500,125
and
-1 x -15,500,125 = 15,500,125
Notice both answers equal 15,500,125

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 15,500,125 and divide it by 2:

15,500,125 ÷ 2 = 7,750,062.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 7,750,062.5 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 15,500,125
-1 -15,500,125

Now, we try dividing 15,500,125 by 3:

15,500,125 ÷ 3 = 5,166,708.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 5,166,708.3333 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 15,500,125
-1 -15,500,125

Let's try dividing by 4:

15,500,125 ÷ 4 = 3,875,031.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 3,875,031.25 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 15,500,125
-1 15,500,125
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1525125124,001620,0053,100,02515,500,125
-1-5-25-125-124,001-620,005-3,100,025-15,500,125

More Examples

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