Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 16,021,571?
A:
Positive:
1 x 16021571
Negative:
-1 x -16021571
A:
Positive:
1 x 16021571
Negative:
-1 x -16021571
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 16,021,571, 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 | 16,021,571 | |
-1 | -16,021,571 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 16,021,571.
Example:
1 x 16,021,571 = 16,021,571
and
-1 x -16,021,571 = 16,021,571
Notice both answers equal 16,021,571
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 16,021,571 and divide it by 2:
16,021,571 ÷ 2 = 8,010,785.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 8,010,785.5 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 | 16,021,571 | |
-1 | -16,021,571 |
Now, we try dividing 16,021,571 by 3:
16,021,571 ÷ 3 = 5,340,523.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 5,340,523.6667 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 | 16,021,571 | |
-1 | -16,021,571 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
16,021,571 ÷ 4 = 4,005,392.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,005,392.75 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 | 16,021,571 | |
-1 | 16,021,571 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 16,021,571 |
-1 | -16,021,571 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator