Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 200,204,231?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 20020423131 x 6458201271 x 7387618401 x 23831
Negative: -1 x -200204231-31 x -6458201-271 x -738761-8401 x -23831


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 200,204,231?

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 200,204,231, 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.

1 200,204,231
-1 -200,204,231

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 200,204,231.

Example:
1 x 200,204,231 = 200,204,231
and
-1 x -200,204,231 = 200,204,231
Notice both answers equal 200,204,231

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 200,204,231 and divide it by 2:

200,204,231 ÷ 2 = 100,102,115.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 100,102,115.5 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:

1 200,204,231
-1 -200,204,231

Now, we try dividing 200,204,231 by 3:

200,204,231 ÷ 3 = 66,734,743.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 66,734,743.6667 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:

1 200,204,231
-1 -200,204,231

Let's try dividing by 4:

200,204,231 ÷ 4 = 50,051,057.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,051,057.75 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:

1 200,204,231
-1 200,204,231
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1312718,40123,831738,7616,458,201200,204,231
-1-31-271-8,401-23,831-738,761-6,458,201-200,204,231

More Examples

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