Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 236,721,353?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 23672135311 x 215201231381 x 17141315191 x 15583
Negative: -1 x -236721353-11 x -21520123-1381 x -171413-15191 x -15583


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 236,721,353?

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 236,721,353, 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.

1 236,721,353
-1 -236,721,353

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 236,721,353.

Example:
1 x 236,721,353 = 236,721,353
and
-1 x -236,721,353 = 236,721,353
Notice both answers equal 236,721,353

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 236,721,353 and divide it by 2:

236,721,353 ÷ 2 = 118,360,676.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 118,360,676.5 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:

1 236,721,353
-1 -236,721,353

Now, we try dividing 236,721,353 by 3:

236,721,353 ÷ 3 = 78,907,117.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 78,907,117.6667 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:

1 236,721,353
-1 -236,721,353

Let's try dividing by 4:

236,721,353 ÷ 4 = 59,180,338.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 59,180,338.25 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:

1 236,721,353
-1 236,721,353
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111,38115,19115,583171,41321,520,123236,721,353
-1-11-1,381-15,191-15,583-171,413-21,520,123-236,721,353

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 236,721,353:


Ask a Question