Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 168,540,061?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 1685400611663 x 101347
Negative: -1 x -168540061-1663 x -101347


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 168,540,061?

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 168,540,061, 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.

1 168,540,061
-1 -168,540,061

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 168,540,061.

Example:
1 x 168,540,061 = 168,540,061
and
-1 x -168,540,061 = 168,540,061
Notice both answers equal 168,540,061

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 168,540,061 and divide it by 2:

168,540,061 ÷ 2 = 84,270,030.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 84,270,030.5 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:

1 168,540,061
-1 -168,540,061

Now, we try dividing 168,540,061 by 3:

168,540,061 ÷ 3 = 56,180,020.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 56,180,020.3333 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:

1 168,540,061
-1 -168,540,061

Let's try dividing by 4:

168,540,061 ÷ 4 = 42,135,015.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 42,135,015.25 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:

1 168,540,061
-1 168,540,061
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11,663101,347168,540,061
-1-1,663-101,347-168,540,061

More Examples

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