Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 3,048,121?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 304812123 x 132527
Negative: -1 x -3048121-23 x -132527


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 3,048,121?

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 3,048,121, 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 3,048,121
-1 -3,048,121

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 3,048,121.

Example:
1 x 3,048,121 = 3,048,121
and
-1 x -3,048,121 = 3,048,121
Notice both answers equal 3,048,121

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 3,048,121 and divide it by 2:

3,048,121 ÷ 2 = 1,524,060.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 1,524,060.5 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 3,048,121
-1 -3,048,121

Now, we try dividing 3,048,121 by 3:

3,048,121 ÷ 3 = 1,016,040.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,016,040.3333 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 3,048,121
-1 -3,048,121

Let's try dividing by 4:

3,048,121 ÷ 4 = 762,030.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 762,030.25 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 3,048,121
-1 3,048,121
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

123132,5273,048,121
-1-23-132,527-3,048,121

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

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