Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 20,226,431?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2022643119 x 1064549
Negative:
-1 x -20226431-19 x -1064549
A:
Positive:
1 x 2022643119 x 1064549
Negative:
-1 x -20226431-19 x -1064549
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 20,226,431, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 20,226,431 | |
-1 | -20,226,431 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 20,226,431.
Example:
1 x 20,226,431 = 20,226,431
and
-1 x -20,226,431 = 20,226,431
Notice both answers equal 20,226,431
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 20,226,431 and divide it by 2:
20,226,431 ÷ 2 = 10,113,215.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,113,215.5 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 | 20,226,431 | |
-1 | -20,226,431 |
Now, we try dividing 20,226,431 by 3:
20,226,431 ÷ 3 = 6,742,143.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,742,143.6667 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 | 20,226,431 | |
-1 | -20,226,431 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
20,226,431 ÷ 4 = 5,056,607.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,056,607.75 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 | 20,226,431 | |
-1 | 20,226,431 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 19 | 1,064,549 | 20,226,431 |
-1 | -19 | -1,064,549 | -20,226,431 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator