Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 312,733,561?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3127335617 x 44676223
Negative: -1 x -312733561-7 x -44676223


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 312,733,561?

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 312,733,561, 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.

1 312,733,561
-1 -312,733,561

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 312,733,561.

Example:
1 x 312,733,561 = 312,733,561
and
-1 x -312,733,561 = 312,733,561
Notice both answers equal 312,733,561

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 312,733,561 and divide it by 2:

312,733,561 ÷ 2 = 156,366,780.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 156,366,780.5 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:

1 312,733,561
-1 -312,733,561

Now, we try dividing 312,733,561 by 3:

312,733,561 ÷ 3 = 104,244,520.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 104,244,520.3333 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:

1 312,733,561
-1 -312,733,561

Let's try dividing by 4:

312,733,561 ÷ 4 = 78,183,390.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 78,183,390.25 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:

1 312,733,561
-1 312,733,561
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1744,676,223312,733,561
-1-7-44,676,223-312,733,561

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 312,733,561:


Ask a Question