Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 302,131,826?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3021318262 x 151065913
Negative: -1 x -302131826-2 x -151065913


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 302,131,826?

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 302,131,826, 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.

1 302,131,826
-1 -302,131,826

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 302,131,826.

Example:
1 x 302,131,826 = 302,131,826
and
-1 x -302,131,826 = 302,131,826
Notice both answers equal 302,131,826

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 302,131,826 and divide it by 2:

302,131,826 ÷ 2 = 151,065,913

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 151,065,913 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 151,065,913 302,131,826
-1 -2 -151,065,913 -302,131,826

Now, we try dividing 302,131,826 by 3:

302,131,826 ÷ 3 = 100,710,608.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 100,710,608.6667 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 2 151,065,913 302,131,826
-1 -2 -151,065,913 -302,131,826

Let's try dividing by 4:

302,131,826 ÷ 4 = 75,532,956.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 75,532,956.5 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 2 151,065,913 302,131,826
-1 -2 -151,065,913 302,131,826
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12151,065,913302,131,826
-1-2-151,065,913-302,131,826

More Examples

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