Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 31,203,359?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3120335911 x 2836669121 x 257879
Negative: -1 x -31203359-11 x -2836669-121 x -257879


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 31,203,359?

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 31,203,359, 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 31,203,359
-1 -31,203,359

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 31,203,359.

Example:
1 x 31,203,359 = 31,203,359
and
-1 x -31,203,359 = 31,203,359
Notice both answers equal 31,203,359

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 31,203,359 and divide it by 2:

31,203,359 ÷ 2 = 15,601,679.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 15,601,679.5 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 31,203,359
-1 -31,203,359

Now, we try dividing 31,203,359 by 3:

31,203,359 ÷ 3 = 10,401,119.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 10,401,119.6667 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 31,203,359
-1 -31,203,359

Let's try dividing by 4:

31,203,359 ÷ 4 = 7,800,839.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 7,800,839.75 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 31,203,359
-1 31,203,359
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

111121257,8792,836,66931,203,359
-1-11-121-257,879-2,836,669-31,203,359

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 31,203,359:


Ask a Question