Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 264,446,321?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 264446321251 x 1053571
Negative: -1 x -264446321-251 x -1053571


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 264,446,321?

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 264,446,321, 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.

1 264,446,321
-1 -264,446,321

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 264,446,321.

Example:
1 x 264,446,321 = 264,446,321
and
-1 x -264,446,321 = 264,446,321
Notice both answers equal 264,446,321

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 264,446,321 and divide it by 2:

264,446,321 ÷ 2 = 132,223,160.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 132,223,160.5 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:

1 264,446,321
-1 -264,446,321

Now, we try dividing 264,446,321 by 3:

264,446,321 ÷ 3 = 88,148,773.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 88,148,773.6667 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:

1 264,446,321
-1 -264,446,321

Let's try dividing by 4:

264,446,321 ÷ 4 = 66,111,580.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 66,111,580.25 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:

1 264,446,321
-1 264,446,321
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12511,053,571264,446,321
-1-251-1,053,571-264,446,321

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 264,446,321:


Ask a Question