Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 306,301,531?
A:
Positive:
1 x 3063015312617 x 117043
Negative:
-1 x -306301531-2617 x -117043
A:
Positive:
1 x 3063015312617 x 117043
Negative:
-1 x -306301531-2617 x -117043
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 306,301,531, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
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 | 306,301,531 | |
-1 | -306,301,531 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 306,301,531.
Example:
1 x 306,301,531 = 306,301,531
and
-1 x -306,301,531 = 306,301,531
Notice both answers equal 306,301,531
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 306,301,531 and divide it by 2:
306,301,531 ÷ 2 = 153,150,765.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 153,150,765.5 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 | 306,301,531 | |
-1 | -306,301,531 |
Now, we try dividing 306,301,531 by 3:
306,301,531 ÷ 3 = 102,100,510.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 102,100,510.3333 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 | 306,301,531 | |
-1 | -306,301,531 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
306,301,531 ÷ 4 = 76,575,382.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 76,575,382.75 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 | 306,301,531 | |
-1 | 306,301,531 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 2,617 | 117,043 | 306,301,531 |
-1 | -2,617 | -117,043 | -306,301,531 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator