Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 161,202,317?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 161202317
Negative: -1 x -161202317


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 161,202,317?

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 161,202,317, 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.

1 161,202,317
-1 -161,202,317

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 161,202,317.

Example:
1 x 161,202,317 = 161,202,317
and
-1 x -161,202,317 = 161,202,317
Notice both answers equal 161,202,317

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 161,202,317 and divide it by 2:

161,202,317 ÷ 2 = 80,601,158.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 80,601,158.5 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:

1 161,202,317
-1 -161,202,317

Now, we try dividing 161,202,317 by 3:

161,202,317 ÷ 3 = 53,734,105.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 53,734,105.6667 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:

1 161,202,317
-1 -161,202,317

Let's try dividing by 4:

161,202,317 ÷ 4 = 40,300,579.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,300,579.25 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:

1 161,202,317
-1 161,202,317
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1161,202,317
-1-161,202,317

More Examples

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