Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 304,031,009?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 30403100917 x 17884177419 x 7256117123 x 42683
Negative: -1 x -304031009-17 x -17884177-419 x -725611-7123 x -42683


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 304,031,009?

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 304,031,009, 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.

1 304,031,009
-1 -304,031,009

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 304,031,009.

Example:
1 x 304,031,009 = 304,031,009
and
-1 x -304,031,009 = 304,031,009
Notice both answers equal 304,031,009

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 304,031,009 and divide it by 2:

304,031,009 ÷ 2 = 152,015,504.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 152,015,504.5 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:

1 304,031,009
-1 -304,031,009

Now, we try dividing 304,031,009 by 3:

304,031,009 ÷ 3 = 101,343,669.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 101,343,669.6667 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:

1 304,031,009
-1 -304,031,009

Let's try dividing by 4:

304,031,009 ÷ 4 = 76,007,752.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 76,007,752.25 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:

1 304,031,009
-1 304,031,009
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1174197,12342,683725,61117,884,177304,031,009
-1-17-419-7,123-42,683-725,611-17,884,177-304,031,009

More Examples

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