Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,304,031?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 213040317 x 3043433101 x 210931707 x 30133
Negative: -1 x -21304031-7 x -3043433-101 x -210931-707 x -30133


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 21,304,031?

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 21,304,031, 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 21,304,031
-1 -21,304,031

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 21,304,031.

Example:
1 x 21,304,031 = 21,304,031
and
-1 x -21,304,031 = 21,304,031
Notice both answers equal 21,304,031

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,304,031 and divide it by 2:

21,304,031 ÷ 2 = 10,652,015.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,652,015.5 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 21,304,031
-1 -21,304,031

Now, we try dividing 21,304,031 by 3:

21,304,031 ÷ 3 = 7,101,343.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,101,343.6667 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 21,304,031
-1 -21,304,031

Let's try dividing by 4:

21,304,031 ÷ 4 = 5,326,007.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,326,007.75 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 21,304,031
-1 21,304,031
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1710170730,133210,9313,043,43321,304,031
-1-7-101-707-30,133-210,931-3,043,433-21,304,031

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 21,304,031:


Ask a Question