Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,216,367?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23121636737 x 6249091541 x 42738711551 x 20017
Negative: -1 x -231216367-37 x -6249091-541 x -427387-11551 x -20017


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 231,216,367?

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 231,216,367, 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.

1 231,216,367
-1 -231,216,367

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 231,216,367.

Example:
1 x 231,216,367 = 231,216,367
and
-1 x -231,216,367 = 231,216,367
Notice both answers equal 231,216,367

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,216,367 and divide it by 2:

231,216,367 ÷ 2 = 115,608,183.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,608,183.5 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:

1 231,216,367
-1 -231,216,367

Now, we try dividing 231,216,367 by 3:

231,216,367 ÷ 3 = 77,072,122.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,072,122.3333 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:

1 231,216,367
-1 -231,216,367

Let's try dividing by 4:

231,216,367 ÷ 4 = 57,804,091.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,804,091.75 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:

1 231,216,367
-1 231,216,367
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

13754111,55120,017427,3876,249,091231,216,367
-1-37-541-11,551-20,017-427,387-6,249,091-231,216,367

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 231,216,367:


Ask a Question