Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 162,461,423?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1624614232251 x 72173
Negative: -1 x -162461423-2251 x -72173


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 162,461,423?

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 162,461,423, 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.

1 162,461,423
-1 -162,461,423

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 162,461,423.

Example:
1 x 162,461,423 = 162,461,423
and
-1 x -162,461,423 = 162,461,423
Notice both answers equal 162,461,423

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 162,461,423 and divide it by 2:

162,461,423 ÷ 2 = 81,230,711.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 81,230,711.5 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:

1 162,461,423
-1 -162,461,423

Now, we try dividing 162,461,423 by 3:

162,461,423 ÷ 3 = 54,153,807.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 54,153,807.6667 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:

1 162,461,423
-1 -162,461,423

Let's try dividing by 4:

162,461,423 ÷ 4 = 40,615,355.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 40,615,355.75 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:

1 162,461,423
-1 162,461,423
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12,25172,173162,461,423
-1-2,251-72,173-162,461,423

More Examples

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