Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 302,671,321?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 30267132131 x 9763591
Negative: -1 x -302671321-31 x -9763591


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 302,671,321?

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 302,671,321, 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.

1 302,671,321
-1 -302,671,321

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 302,671,321.

Example:
1 x 302,671,321 = 302,671,321
and
-1 x -302,671,321 = 302,671,321
Notice both answers equal 302,671,321

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 302,671,321 and divide it by 2:

302,671,321 ÷ 2 = 151,335,660.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 151,335,660.5 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:

1 302,671,321
-1 -302,671,321

Now, we try dividing 302,671,321 by 3:

302,671,321 ÷ 3 = 100,890,440.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 100,890,440.3333 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:

1 302,671,321
-1 -302,671,321

Let's try dividing by 4:

302,671,321 ÷ 4 = 75,667,830.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 75,667,830.25 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:

1 302,671,321
-1 302,671,321
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1319,763,591302,671,321
-1-31-9,763,591-302,671,321

More Examples

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