How do I find the factor combinations of the number 301,303,021?
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 301,303,021, 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 |
|
301,303,021 |
-1 |
|
-301,303,021 |
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 301,303,021.
Example:
1 x 301,303,021 = 301,303,021
and
-1 x -301,303,021 = 301,303,021
Notice both answers equal 301,303,021
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 301,303,021 and divide it by 2:
301,303,021 ÷ 2 = 150,651,510.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 150,651,510.5 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:
Now, we try dividing 301,303,021 by 3:
301,303,021 ÷ 3 = 100,434,340.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 100,434,340.3333 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
301,303,021 ÷ 4 = 75,325,755.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 75,325,755.25 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the
factor calculator