Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 231,512,539?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23151253929 x 7983191257 x 9008277453 x 31063
Negative: -1 x -231512539-29 x -7983191-257 x -900827-7453 x -31063


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 231,512,539?

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 231,512,539, 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.

1 231,512,539
-1 -231,512,539

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 231,512,539.

Example:
1 x 231,512,539 = 231,512,539
and
-1 x -231,512,539 = 231,512,539
Notice both answers equal 231,512,539

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 231,512,539 and divide it by 2:

231,512,539 ÷ 2 = 115,756,269.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 115,756,269.5 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:

1 231,512,539
-1 -231,512,539

Now, we try dividing 231,512,539 by 3:

231,512,539 ÷ 3 = 77,170,846.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 77,170,846.3333 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:

1 231,512,539
-1 -231,512,539

Let's try dividing by 4:

231,512,539 ÷ 4 = 57,878,134.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 57,878,134.75 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:

1 231,512,539
-1 231,512,539
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1292577,45331,063900,8277,983,191231,512,539
-1-29-257-7,453-31,063-900,827-7,983,191-231,512,539

More Examples

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