Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,403,615?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 214036155 x 42807231051 x 203654073 x 5255
Negative: -1 x -21403615-5 x -4280723-1051 x -20365-4073 x -5255


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 21,403,615?

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 21,403,615, 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 21,403,615
-1 -21,403,615

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 21,403,615.

Example:
1 x 21,403,615 = 21,403,615
and
-1 x -21,403,615 = 21,403,615
Notice both answers equal 21,403,615

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,403,615 and divide it by 2:

21,403,615 ÷ 2 = 10,701,807.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,701,807.5 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 21,403,615
-1 -21,403,615

Now, we try dividing 21,403,615 by 3:

21,403,615 ÷ 3 = 7,134,538.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,134,538.3333 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 21,403,615
-1 -21,403,615

Let's try dividing by 4:

21,403,615 ÷ 4 = 5,350,903.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,350,903.75 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 21,403,615
-1 21,403,615
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

151,0514,0735,25520,3654,280,72321,403,615
-1-5-1,051-4,073-5,255-20,365-4,280,723-21,403,615

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 21,403,615:


Ask a Question