Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 315,121?
A:
Positive:
1 x 315121181 x 1741
Negative:
-1 x -315121-181 x -1741
A:
Positive:
1 x 315121181 x 1741
Negative:
-1 x -315121-181 x -1741
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 315,121, 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 | 315,121 | |
-1 | -315,121 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 315,121.
Example:
1 x 315,121 = 315,121
and
-1 x -315,121 = 315,121
Notice both answers equal 315,121
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 315,121 and divide it by 2:
315,121 ÷ 2 = 157,560.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 157,560.5 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 | 315,121 | |
-1 | -315,121 |
Now, we try dividing 315,121 by 3:
315,121 ÷ 3 = 105,040.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 105,040.3333 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 | 315,121 | |
-1 | -315,121 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
315,121 ÷ 4 = 78,780.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 78,780.25 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 | 315,121 | |
-1 | 315,121 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 181 | 1,741 | 315,121 |
-1 | -181 | -1,741 | -315,121 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator