Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 189,048,491?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 189048491
Negative: -1 x -189048491


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 189,048,491?

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 189,048,491, 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.

1 189,048,491
-1 -189,048,491

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 189,048,491.

Example:
1 x 189,048,491 = 189,048,491
and
-1 x -189,048,491 = 189,048,491
Notice both answers equal 189,048,491

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 189,048,491 and divide it by 2:

189,048,491 ÷ 2 = 94,524,245.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 94,524,245.5 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:

1 189,048,491
-1 -189,048,491

Now, we try dividing 189,048,491 by 3:

189,048,491 ÷ 3 = 63,016,163.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 63,016,163.6667 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:

1 189,048,491
-1 -189,048,491

Let's try dividing by 4:

189,048,491 ÷ 4 = 47,262,122.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 47,262,122.75 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:

1 189,048,491
-1 189,048,491
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1189,048,491
-1-189,048,491

More Examples

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