Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 320,542,523?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3205425237 x 45791789
Negative: -1 x -320542523-7 x -45791789


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 320,542,523?

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 320,542,523, 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.

1 320,542,523
-1 -320,542,523

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 320,542,523.

Example:
1 x 320,542,523 = 320,542,523
and
-1 x -320,542,523 = 320,542,523
Notice both answers equal 320,542,523

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 320,542,523 and divide it by 2:

320,542,523 ÷ 2 = 160,271,261.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 160,271,261.5 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:

1 320,542,523
-1 -320,542,523

Now, we try dividing 320,542,523 by 3:

320,542,523 ÷ 3 = 106,847,507.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 106,847,507.6667 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:

1 320,542,523
-1 -320,542,523

Let's try dividing by 4:

320,542,523 ÷ 4 = 80,135,630.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,135,630.75 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:

1 320,542,523
-1 320,542,523
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1745,791,789320,542,523
-1-7-45,791,789-320,542,523

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 320,542,523:


Ask a Question