Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 261,442,207?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 26144220713 x 20110939409 x 6392235317 x 49171
Negative: -1 x -261442207-13 x -20110939-409 x -639223-5317 x -49171


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 261,442,207?

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 261,442,207, 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.

1 261,442,207
-1 -261,442,207

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 261,442,207.

Example:
1 x 261,442,207 = 261,442,207
and
-1 x -261,442,207 = 261,442,207
Notice both answers equal 261,442,207

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 261,442,207 and divide it by 2:

261,442,207 ÷ 2 = 130,721,103.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 130,721,103.5 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:

1 261,442,207
-1 -261,442,207

Now, we try dividing 261,442,207 by 3:

261,442,207 ÷ 3 = 87,147,402.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 87,147,402.3333 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:

1 261,442,207
-1 -261,442,207

Let's try dividing by 4:

261,442,207 ÷ 4 = 65,360,551.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 65,360,551.75 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:

1 261,442,207
-1 261,442,207
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1134095,31749,171639,22320,110,939261,442,207
-1-13-409-5,317-49,171-639,223-20,110,939-261,442,207

More Examples

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