Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 31,030,301?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 310303012239 x 13859
Negative: -1 x -31030301-2239 x -13859


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 31,030,301?

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 31,030,301, 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 31,030,301
-1 -31,030,301

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 31,030,301.

Example:
1 x 31,030,301 = 31,030,301
and
-1 x -31,030,301 = 31,030,301
Notice both answers equal 31,030,301

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 31,030,301 and divide it by 2:

31,030,301 ÷ 2 = 15,515,150.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 15,515,150.5 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 31,030,301
-1 -31,030,301

Now, we try dividing 31,030,301 by 3:

31,030,301 ÷ 3 = 10,343,433.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 10,343,433.6667 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 31,030,301
-1 -31,030,301

Let's try dividing by 4:

31,030,301 ÷ 4 = 7,757,575.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,757,575.25 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 31,030,301
-1 31,030,301
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12,23913,85931,030,301
-1-2,239-13,859-31,030,301

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 31,030,301:


Ask a Question