Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 32,131,655?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 321316555 x 642633131 x 1036505155 x 207301
Negative: -1 x -32131655-5 x -6426331-31 x -1036505-155 x -207301


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 32,131,655?

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 32,131,655, 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 32,131,655
-1 -32,131,655

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 32,131,655.

Example:
1 x 32,131,655 = 32,131,655
and
-1 x -32,131,655 = 32,131,655
Notice both answers equal 32,131,655

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 32,131,655 and divide it by 2:

32,131,655 ÷ 2 = 16,065,827.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 16,065,827.5 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 32,131,655
-1 -32,131,655

Now, we try dividing 32,131,655 by 3:

32,131,655 ÷ 3 = 10,710,551.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 10,710,551.6667 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 32,131,655
-1 -32,131,655

Let's try dividing by 4:

32,131,655 ÷ 4 = 8,032,913.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 8,032,913.75 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 32,131,655
-1 32,131,655
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1531155207,3011,036,5056,426,33132,131,655
-1-5-31-155-207,301-1,036,505-6,426,331-32,131,655

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 32,131,655:


Ask a Question