Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 161,821,681?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1618216817 x 231173832351 x 688319833 x 16457
Negative: -1 x -161821681-7 x -23117383-2351 x -68831-9833 x -16457


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 161,821,681?

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 161,821,681, 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.

1 161,821,681
-1 -161,821,681

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 161,821,681.

Example:
1 x 161,821,681 = 161,821,681
and
-1 x -161,821,681 = 161,821,681
Notice both answers equal 161,821,681

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 161,821,681 and divide it by 2:

161,821,681 ÷ 2 = 80,910,840.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 80,910,840.5 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:

1 161,821,681
-1 -161,821,681

Now, we try dividing 161,821,681 by 3:

161,821,681 ÷ 3 = 53,940,560.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 53,940,560.3333 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:

1 161,821,681
-1 -161,821,681

Let's try dividing by 4:

161,821,681 ÷ 4 = 40,455,420.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,455,420.25 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:

1 161,821,681
-1 161,821,681
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

172,3519,83316,45768,83123,117,383161,821,681
-1-7-2,351-9,833-16,457-68,831-23,117,383-161,821,681

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 161,821,681:


Ask a Question