Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 210,212,021?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 21021202117 x 12365413
Negative: -1 x -210212021-17 x -12365413


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 210,212,021?

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 210,212,021, 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.

1 210,212,021
-1 -210,212,021

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 210,212,021.

Example:
1 x 210,212,021 = 210,212,021
and
-1 x -210,212,021 = 210,212,021
Notice both answers equal 210,212,021

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 210,212,021 and divide it by 2:

210,212,021 ÷ 2 = 105,106,010.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 105,106,010.5 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:

1 210,212,021
-1 -210,212,021

Now, we try dividing 210,212,021 by 3:

210,212,021 ÷ 3 = 70,070,673.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 70,070,673.6667 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:

1 210,212,021
-1 -210,212,021

Let's try dividing by 4:

210,212,021 ÷ 4 = 52,553,005.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 52,553,005.25 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:

1 210,212,021
-1 210,212,021
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11712,365,413210,212,021
-1-17-12,365,413-210,212,021

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 210,212,021:


Ask a Question