Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 202,142,329?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 20214232973 x 2769073
Negative: -1 x -202142329-73 x -2769073


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 202,142,329?

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 202,142,329, 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.

1 202,142,329
-1 -202,142,329

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 202,142,329.

Example:
1 x 202,142,329 = 202,142,329
and
-1 x -202,142,329 = 202,142,329
Notice both answers equal 202,142,329

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 202,142,329 and divide it by 2:

202,142,329 ÷ 2 = 101,071,164.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,071,164.5 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:

1 202,142,329
-1 -202,142,329

Now, we try dividing 202,142,329 by 3:

202,142,329 ÷ 3 = 67,380,776.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,380,776.3333 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:

1 202,142,329
-1 -202,142,329

Let's try dividing by 4:

202,142,329 ÷ 4 = 50,535,582.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,535,582.25 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:

1 202,142,329
-1 202,142,329
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1732,769,073202,142,329
-1-73-2,769,073-202,142,329

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 202,142,329:


Ask a Question