Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,012,391?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2101239117 x 1236023499 x 421092477 x 8483
Negative: -1 x -21012391-17 x -1236023-499 x -42109-2477 x -8483


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 21,012,391?

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 21,012,391, 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 21,012,391
-1 -21,012,391

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 21,012,391.

Example:
1 x 21,012,391 = 21,012,391
and
-1 x -21,012,391 = 21,012,391
Notice both answers equal 21,012,391

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,012,391 and divide it by 2:

21,012,391 ÷ 2 = 10,506,195.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,506,195.5 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 21,012,391
-1 -21,012,391

Now, we try dividing 21,012,391 by 3:

21,012,391 ÷ 3 = 7,004,130.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,004,130.3333 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 21,012,391
-1 -21,012,391

Let's try dividing by 4:

21,012,391 ÷ 4 = 5,253,097.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,253,097.75 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 21,012,391
-1 21,012,391
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1174992,4778,48342,1091,236,02321,012,391
-1-17-499-2,477-8,483-42,109-1,236,023-21,012,391

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 21,012,391:


Ask a Question