Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 203,231,321?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20323132161 x 3331661
Negative:
-1 x -203231321-61 x -3331661
A:
Positive:
1 x 20323132161 x 3331661
Negative:
-1 x -203231321-61 x -3331661
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 203,231,321, 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 | 203,231,321 | |
-1 | -203,231,321 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 203,231,321.
Example:
1 x 203,231,321 = 203,231,321
and
-1 x -203,231,321 = 203,231,321
Notice both answers equal 203,231,321
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 203,231,321 and divide it by 2:
203,231,321 ÷ 2 = 101,615,660.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 101,615,660.5 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 | 203,231,321 | |
-1 | -203,231,321 |
Now, we try dividing 203,231,321 by 3:
203,231,321 ÷ 3 = 67,743,773.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 67,743,773.6667 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 | 203,231,321 | |
-1 | -203,231,321 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
203,231,321 ÷ 4 = 50,807,830.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 50,807,830.25 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 | 203,231,321 | |
-1 | 203,231,321 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 61 | 3,331,661 | 203,231,321 |
-1 | -61 | -3,331,661 | -203,231,321 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator