Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 243,021,013?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 24302101323 x 10566131529 x 459397
Negative: -1 x -243021013-23 x -10566131-529 x -459397


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 243,021,013?

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 243,021,013, 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.

1 243,021,013
-1 -243,021,013

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 243,021,013.

Example:
1 x 243,021,013 = 243,021,013
and
-1 x -243,021,013 = 243,021,013
Notice both answers equal 243,021,013

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 243,021,013 and divide it by 2:

243,021,013 ÷ 2 = 121,510,506.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 121,510,506.5 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:

1 243,021,013
-1 -243,021,013

Now, we try dividing 243,021,013 by 3:

243,021,013 ÷ 3 = 81,007,004.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 81,007,004.3333 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:

1 243,021,013
-1 -243,021,013

Let's try dividing by 4:

243,021,013 ÷ 4 = 60,755,253.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 60,755,253.25 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:

1 243,021,013
-1 243,021,013
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

123529459,39710,566,131243,021,013
-1-23-529-459,397-10,566,131-243,021,013

More Examples

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