Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 221,121,101?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2211211011171 x 188831
Negative:
-1 x -221121101-1171 x -188831
A:
Positive:
1 x 2211211011171 x 188831
Negative:
-1 x -221121101-1171 x -188831
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 221,121,101, 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 | 221,121,101 | |
-1 | -221,121,101 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 221,121,101.
Example:
1 x 221,121,101 = 221,121,101
and
-1 x -221,121,101 = 221,121,101
Notice both answers equal 221,121,101
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 221,121,101 and divide it by 2:
221,121,101 ÷ 2 = 110,560,550.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 110,560,550.5 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 | 221,121,101 | |
-1 | -221,121,101 |
Now, we try dividing 221,121,101 by 3:
221,121,101 ÷ 3 = 73,707,033.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 73,707,033.6667 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 | 221,121,101 | |
-1 | -221,121,101 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
221,121,101 ÷ 4 = 55,280,275.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 55,280,275.25 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 | 221,121,101 | |
-1 | 221,121,101 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 1,171 | 188,831 | 221,121,101 |
-1 | -1,171 | -188,831 | -221,121,101 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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