Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,332,219?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23133221915101 x 15319
Negative:
-1 x -231332219-15101 x -15319
A:
Positive:
1 x 23133221915101 x 15319
Negative:
-1 x -231332219-15101 x -15319
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 231,332,219, 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 | 231,332,219 | |
-1 | -231,332,219 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 231,332,219.
Example:
1 x 231,332,219 = 231,332,219
and
-1 x -231,332,219 = 231,332,219
Notice both answers equal 231,332,219
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,332,219 and divide it by 2:
231,332,219 ÷ 2 = 115,666,109.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,666,109.5 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 | 231,332,219 | |
-1 | -231,332,219 |
Now, we try dividing 231,332,219 by 3:
231,332,219 ÷ 3 = 77,110,739.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,110,739.6667 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 | 231,332,219 | |
-1 | -231,332,219 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
231,332,219 ÷ 4 = 57,833,054.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,833,054.75 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 | 231,332,219 | |
-1 | 231,332,219 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 15,101 | 15,319 | 231,332,219 |
-1 | -15,101 | -15,319 | -231,332,219 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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