Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 21,486,505?
A:
Positive:
1 x 214865055 x 4297301
Negative:
-1 x -21486505-5 x -4297301
A:
Positive:
1 x 214865055 x 4297301
Negative:
-1 x -21486505-5 x -4297301
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 21,486,505, 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 | 21,486,505 | |
-1 | -21,486,505 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 21,486,505.
Example:
1 x 21,486,505 = 21,486,505
and
-1 x -21,486,505 = 21,486,505
Notice both answers equal 21,486,505
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 21,486,505 and divide it by 2:
21,486,505 ÷ 2 = 10,743,252.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 10,743,252.5 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 | 21,486,505 | |
-1 | -21,486,505 |
Now, we try dividing 21,486,505 by 3:
21,486,505 ÷ 3 = 7,162,168.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 7,162,168.3333 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 | 21,486,505 | |
-1 | -21,486,505 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
21,486,505 ÷ 4 = 5,371,626.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 5,371,626.25 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 | 21,486,505 | |
-1 | 21,486,505 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 4,297,301 | 21,486,505 |
-1 | -5 | -4,297,301 | -21,486,505 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator