Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,505,301?
A:
Positive:
1 x 23150530167 x 3455303
Negative:
-1 x -231505301-67 x -3455303
A:
Positive:
1 x 23150530167 x 3455303
Negative:
-1 x -231505301-67 x -3455303
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 231,505,301, 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 | 231,505,301 | |
-1 | -231,505,301 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 231,505,301.
Example:
1 x 231,505,301 = 231,505,301
and
-1 x -231,505,301 = 231,505,301
Notice both answers equal 231,505,301
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,505,301 and divide it by 2:
231,505,301 ÷ 2 = 115,752,650.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,752,650.5 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 | 231,505,301 | |
-1 | -231,505,301 |
Now, we try dividing 231,505,301 by 3:
231,505,301 ÷ 3 = 77,168,433.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,168,433.6667 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 | 231,505,301 | |
-1 | -231,505,301 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
231,505,301 ÷ 4 = 57,876,325.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,876,325.25 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 | 231,505,301 | |
-1 | 231,505,301 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 67 | 3,455,303 | 231,505,301 |
-1 | -67 | -3,455,303 | -231,505,301 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator