Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 20,854,637?
A:
Positive:
1 x 20854637557 x 37441
Negative:
-1 x -20854637-557 x -37441
A:
Positive:
1 x 20854637557 x 37441
Negative:
-1 x -20854637-557 x -37441
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 20,854,637, 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 | 20,854,637 | |
-1 | -20,854,637 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 20,854,637.
Example:
1 x 20,854,637 = 20,854,637
and
-1 x -20,854,637 = 20,854,637
Notice both answers equal 20,854,637
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 20,854,637 and divide it by 2:
20,854,637 ÷ 2 = 10,427,318.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,427,318.5 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 | 20,854,637 | |
-1 | -20,854,637 |
Now, we try dividing 20,854,637 by 3:
20,854,637 ÷ 3 = 6,951,545.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 6,951,545.6667 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 | 20,854,637 | |
-1 | -20,854,637 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
20,854,637 ÷ 4 = 5,213,659.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,213,659.25 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 | 20,854,637 | |
-1 | 20,854,637 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 557 | 37,441 | 20,854,637 |
-1 | -557 | -37,441 | -20,854,637 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator