Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 202,218,317?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2022183177 x 28888331
Negative: -1 x -202218317-7 x -28888331


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 202,218,317?

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 202,218,317, 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.

1 202,218,317
-1 -202,218,317

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 202,218,317.

Example:
1 x 202,218,317 = 202,218,317
and
-1 x -202,218,317 = 202,218,317
Notice both answers equal 202,218,317

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 202,218,317 and divide it by 2:

202,218,317 ÷ 2 = 101,109,158.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,109,158.5 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:

1 202,218,317
-1 -202,218,317

Now, we try dividing 202,218,317 by 3:

202,218,317 ÷ 3 = 67,406,105.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,406,105.6667 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:

1 202,218,317
-1 -202,218,317

Let's try dividing by 4:

202,218,317 ÷ 4 = 50,554,579.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,554,579.25 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:

1 202,218,317
-1 202,218,317
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1728,888,331202,218,317
-1-7-28,888,331-202,218,317

More Examples

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