Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 265,615,073?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 265615073
Negative: -1 x -265615073


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 265,615,073?

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 265,615,073, 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.

1 265,615,073
-1 -265,615,073

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 265,615,073.

Example:
1 x 265,615,073 = 265,615,073
and
-1 x -265,615,073 = 265,615,073
Notice both answers equal 265,615,073

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 265,615,073 and divide it by 2:

265,615,073 ÷ 2 = 132,807,536.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 132,807,536.5 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:

1 265,615,073
-1 -265,615,073

Now, we try dividing 265,615,073 by 3:

265,615,073 ÷ 3 = 88,538,357.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 88,538,357.6667 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:

1 265,615,073
-1 -265,615,073

Let's try dividing by 4:

265,615,073 ÷ 4 = 66,403,768.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 66,403,768.25 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:

1 265,615,073
-1 265,615,073
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1265,615,073
-1-265,615,073

More Examples

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