Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 19,715,851?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 19715851421 x 46831
Negative: -1 x -19715851-421 x -46831


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 19,715,851?

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 19,715,851, 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 19,715,851
-1 -19,715,851

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 19,715,851.

Example:
1 x 19,715,851 = 19,715,851
and
-1 x -19,715,851 = 19,715,851
Notice both answers equal 19,715,851

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 19,715,851 and divide it by 2:

19,715,851 ÷ 2 = 9,857,925.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 9,857,925.5 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 19,715,851
-1 -19,715,851

Now, we try dividing 19,715,851 by 3:

19,715,851 ÷ 3 = 6,571,950.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,571,950.3333 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 19,715,851
-1 -19,715,851

Let's try dividing by 4:

19,715,851 ÷ 4 = 4,928,962.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 4,928,962.75 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 19,715,851
-1 19,715,851
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

142146,83119,715,851
-1-421-46,831-19,715,851

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 19,715,851:


Ask a Question