Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 251,027,473?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 251027473
Negative: -1 x -251027473


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 251,027,473?

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 251,027,473, 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.

1 251,027,473
-1 -251,027,473

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 251,027,473.

Example:
1 x 251,027,473 = 251,027,473
and
-1 x -251,027,473 = 251,027,473
Notice both answers equal 251,027,473

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 251,027,473 and divide it by 2:

251,027,473 ÷ 2 = 125,513,736.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 125,513,736.5 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:

1 251,027,473
-1 -251,027,473

Now, we try dividing 251,027,473 by 3:

251,027,473 ÷ 3 = 83,675,824.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 83,675,824.3333 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:

1 251,027,473
-1 -251,027,473

Let's try dividing by 4:

251,027,473 ÷ 4 = 62,756,868.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 62,756,868.25 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:

1 251,027,473
-1 251,027,473
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1251,027,473
-1-251,027,473

More Examples

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