Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 242,132,227?
A:
Positive:
1 x 24213222731 x 7810717
Negative:
-1 x -242132227-31 x -7810717
A:
Positive:
1 x 24213222731 x 7810717
Negative:
-1 x -242132227-31 x -7810717
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 242,132,227, 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 | 242,132,227 | |
-1 | -242,132,227 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 242,132,227.
Example:
1 x 242,132,227 = 242,132,227
and
-1 x -242,132,227 = 242,132,227
Notice both answers equal 242,132,227
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 242,132,227 and divide it by 2:
242,132,227 ÷ 2 = 121,066,113.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,066,113.5 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 | 242,132,227 | |
-1 | -242,132,227 |
Now, we try dividing 242,132,227 by 3:
242,132,227 ÷ 3 = 80,710,742.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 80,710,742.3333 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 | 242,132,227 | |
-1 | -242,132,227 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
242,132,227 ÷ 4 = 60,533,056.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,533,056.75 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 | 242,132,227 | |
-1 | 242,132,227 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 31 | 7,810,717 | 242,132,227 |
-1 | -31 | -7,810,717 | -242,132,227 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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