Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,065,305?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 2310653055 x 462130612803 x 8243514015 x 16487
Negative: -1 x -231065305-5 x -46213061-2803 x -82435-14015 x -16487


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 231,065,305?

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 231,065,305, 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.

1 231,065,305
-1 -231,065,305

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 231,065,305.

Example:
1 x 231,065,305 = 231,065,305
and
-1 x -231,065,305 = 231,065,305
Notice both answers equal 231,065,305

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,065,305 and divide it by 2:

231,065,305 ÷ 2 = 115,532,652.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,532,652.5 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:

1 231,065,305
-1 -231,065,305

Now, we try dividing 231,065,305 by 3:

231,065,305 ÷ 3 = 77,021,768.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,021,768.3333 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:

1 231,065,305
-1 -231,065,305

Let's try dividing by 4:

231,065,305 ÷ 4 = 57,766,326.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,766,326.25 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:

1 231,065,305
-1 231,065,305
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

152,80314,01516,48782,43546,213,061231,065,305
-1-5-2,803-14,015-16,487-82,435-46,213,061-231,065,305

More Examples

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