Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 20,501,461?
A:
Positive:
1 x 205014611103 x 18587
Negative:
-1 x -20501461-1103 x -18587
A:
Positive:
1 x 205014611103 x 18587
Negative:
-1 x -20501461-1103 x -18587
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 20,501,461, 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 | 20,501,461 | |
-1 | -20,501,461 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 20,501,461.
Example:
1 x 20,501,461 = 20,501,461
and
-1 x -20,501,461 = 20,501,461
Notice both answers equal 20,501,461
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 20,501,461 and divide it by 2:
20,501,461 ÷ 2 = 10,250,730.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,250,730.5 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 | 20,501,461 | |
-1 | -20,501,461 |
Now, we try dividing 20,501,461 by 3:
20,501,461 ÷ 3 = 6,833,820.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,833,820.3333 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 | 20,501,461 | |
-1 | -20,501,461 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
20,501,461 ÷ 4 = 5,125,365.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,125,365.25 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 | 20,501,461 | |
-1 | 20,501,461 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 1,103 | 18,587 | 20,501,461 |
-1 | -1,103 | -18,587 | -20,501,461 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator