Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,240,421?
A:
Positive:
1 x 21240421173 x 122777
Negative:
-1 x -21240421-173 x -122777
A:
Positive:
1 x 21240421173 x 122777
Negative:
-1 x -21240421-173 x -122777
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 21,240,421, 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 | 21,240,421 | |
-1 | -21,240,421 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 21,240,421.
Example:
1 x 21,240,421 = 21,240,421
and
-1 x -21,240,421 = 21,240,421
Notice both answers equal 21,240,421
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,240,421 and divide it by 2:
21,240,421 ÷ 2 = 10,620,210.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,620,210.5 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 | 21,240,421 | |
-1 | -21,240,421 |
Now, we try dividing 21,240,421 by 3:
21,240,421 ÷ 3 = 7,080,140.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,080,140.3333 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 | 21,240,421 | |
-1 | -21,240,421 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
21,240,421 ÷ 4 = 5,310,105.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,310,105.25 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 | 21,240,421 | |
-1 | 21,240,421 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 173 | 122,777 | 21,240,421 |
-1 | -173 | -122,777 | -21,240,421 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator