Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 223,123,331?
A:
Positive:
1 x 2231233311723 x 129497
Negative:
-1 x -223123331-1723 x -129497
A:
Positive:
1 x 2231233311723 x 129497
Negative:
-1 x -223123331-1723 x -129497
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 223,123,331, 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 | 223,123,331 | |
-1 | -223,123,331 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 223,123,331.
Example:
1 x 223,123,331 = 223,123,331
and
-1 x -223,123,331 = 223,123,331
Notice both answers equal 223,123,331
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 223,123,331 and divide it by 2:
223,123,331 ÷ 2 = 111,561,665.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 111,561,665.5 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 | 223,123,331 | |
-1 | -223,123,331 |
Now, we try dividing 223,123,331 by 3:
223,123,331 ÷ 3 = 74,374,443.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 74,374,443.6667 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 | 223,123,331 | |
-1 | -223,123,331 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
223,123,331 ÷ 4 = 55,780,832.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 55,780,832.75 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 | 223,123,331 | |
-1 | 223,123,331 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 1,723 | 129,497 | 223,123,331 |
-1 | -1,723 | -129,497 | -223,123,331 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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