Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 312,135,451?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3121354515701 x 54751
Negative: -1 x -312135451-5701 x -54751


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 312,135,451?

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 312,135,451, 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.

1 312,135,451
-1 -312,135,451

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 312,135,451.

Example:
1 x 312,135,451 = 312,135,451
and
-1 x -312,135,451 = 312,135,451
Notice both answers equal 312,135,451

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 312,135,451 and divide it by 2:

312,135,451 ÷ 2 = 156,067,725.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 156,067,725.5 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:

1 312,135,451
-1 -312,135,451

Now, we try dividing 312,135,451 by 3:

312,135,451 ÷ 3 = 104,045,150.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 104,045,150.3333 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:

1 312,135,451
-1 -312,135,451

Let's try dividing by 4:

312,135,451 ÷ 4 = 78,033,862.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 78,033,862.75 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:

1 312,135,451
-1 312,135,451
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15,70154,751312,135,451
-1-5,701-54,751-312,135,451

More Examples

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