Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 311,021,231?
A:
Positive:
1 x 31102123147 x 6617473
Negative:
-1 x -311021231-47 x -6617473
A:
Positive:
1 x 31102123147 x 6617473
Negative:
-1 x -311021231-47 x -6617473
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 311,021,231, 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 | 311,021,231 | |
-1 | -311,021,231 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 311,021,231.
Example:
1 x 311,021,231 = 311,021,231
and
-1 x -311,021,231 = 311,021,231
Notice both answers equal 311,021,231
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 311,021,231 and divide it by 2:
311,021,231 ÷ 2 = 155,510,615.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 155,510,615.5 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 | 311,021,231 | |
-1 | -311,021,231 |
Now, we try dividing 311,021,231 by 3:
311,021,231 ÷ 3 = 103,673,743.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 103,673,743.6667 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 | 311,021,231 | |
-1 | -311,021,231 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
311,021,231 ÷ 4 = 77,755,307.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 77,755,307.75 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 | 311,021,231 | |
-1 | 311,021,231 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 6,617,473 | 311,021,231 |
-1 | -47 | -6,617,473 | -311,021,231 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator