Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 234,555,317?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23455531789 x 2635453239 x 98140311027 x 21271
Negative: -1 x -234555317-89 x -2635453-239 x -981403-11027 x -21271


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 234,555,317?

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 234,555,317, 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.

1 234,555,317
-1 -234,555,317

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 234,555,317.

Example:
1 x 234,555,317 = 234,555,317
and
-1 x -234,555,317 = 234,555,317
Notice both answers equal 234,555,317

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 234,555,317 and divide it by 2:

234,555,317 ÷ 2 = 117,277,658.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 117,277,658.5 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:

1 234,555,317
-1 -234,555,317

Now, we try dividing 234,555,317 by 3:

234,555,317 ÷ 3 = 78,185,105.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 78,185,105.6667 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:

1 234,555,317
-1 -234,555,317

Let's try dividing by 4:

234,555,317 ÷ 4 = 58,638,829.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 58,638,829.25 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:

1 234,555,317
-1 234,555,317
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

18923911,02721,271981,4032,635,453234,555,317
-1-89-239-11,027-21,271-981,403-2,635,453-234,555,317

More Examples

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