Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 216,420,043?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2164200437 x 30917149
Negative: -1 x -216420043-7 x -30917149


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 216,420,043?

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 216,420,043, 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.

1 216,420,043
-1 -216,420,043

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 216,420,043.

Example:
1 x 216,420,043 = 216,420,043
and
-1 x -216,420,043 = 216,420,043
Notice both answers equal 216,420,043

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 216,420,043 and divide it by 2:

216,420,043 ÷ 2 = 108,210,021.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 108,210,021.5 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:

1 216,420,043
-1 -216,420,043

Now, we try dividing 216,420,043 by 3:

216,420,043 ÷ 3 = 72,140,014.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 72,140,014.3333 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:

1 216,420,043
-1 -216,420,043

Let's try dividing by 4:

216,420,043 ÷ 4 = 54,105,010.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 54,105,010.75 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:

1 216,420,043
-1 216,420,043
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1730,917,149216,420,043
-1-7-30,917,149-216,420,043

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 216,420,043:


Ask a Question