Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 230,123,521?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23012352173 x 3152377
Negative: -1 x -230123521-73 x -3152377


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 230,123,521?

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 230,123,521, 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.

1 230,123,521
-1 -230,123,521

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 230,123,521.

Example:
1 x 230,123,521 = 230,123,521
and
-1 x -230,123,521 = 230,123,521
Notice both answers equal 230,123,521

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 230,123,521 and divide it by 2:

230,123,521 ÷ 2 = 115,061,760.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,061,760.5 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:

1 230,123,521
-1 -230,123,521

Now, we try dividing 230,123,521 by 3:

230,123,521 ÷ 3 = 76,707,840.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 76,707,840.3333 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:

1 230,123,521
-1 -230,123,521

Let's try dividing by 4:

230,123,521 ÷ 4 = 57,530,880.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,530,880.25 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:

1 230,123,521
-1 230,123,521
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1733,152,377230,123,521
-1-73-3,152,377-230,123,521

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 230,123,521:


Ask a Question