Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 16,478,797?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1647879717 x 969341
Negative: -1 x -16478797-17 x -969341


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 16,478,797?

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 16,478,797, 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 16,478,797
-1 -16,478,797

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 16,478,797.

Example:
1 x 16,478,797 = 16,478,797
and
-1 x -16,478,797 = 16,478,797
Notice both answers equal 16,478,797

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 16,478,797 and divide it by 2:

16,478,797 ÷ 2 = 8,239,398.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 8,239,398.5 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 16,478,797
-1 -16,478,797

Now, we try dividing 16,478,797 by 3:

16,478,797 ÷ 3 = 5,492,932.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 5,492,932.3333 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 16,478,797
-1 -16,478,797

Let's try dividing by 4:

16,478,797 ÷ 4 = 4,119,699.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,119,699.25 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 16,478,797
-1 16,478,797
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

117969,34116,478,797
-1-17-969,341-16,478,797

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 16,478,797:


Ask a Question