Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 284,340,649?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 28434064931 x 9172279
Negative: -1 x -284340649-31 x -9172279


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 284,340,649?

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 284,340,649, 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.

1 284,340,649
-1 -284,340,649

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 284,340,649.

Example:
1 x 284,340,649 = 284,340,649
and
-1 x -284,340,649 = 284,340,649
Notice both answers equal 284,340,649

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 284,340,649 and divide it by 2:

284,340,649 ÷ 2 = 142,170,324.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 142,170,324.5 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:

1 284,340,649
-1 -284,340,649

Now, we try dividing 284,340,649 by 3:

284,340,649 ÷ 3 = 94,780,216.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 94,780,216.3333 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:

1 284,340,649
-1 -284,340,649

Let's try dividing by 4:

284,340,649 ÷ 4 = 71,085,162.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 71,085,162.25 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:

1 284,340,649
-1 284,340,649
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1319,172,279284,340,649
-1-31-9,172,279-284,340,649

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 284,340,649:


Ask a Question