Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 322,023,017?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3220230171873 x 171929
Negative: -1 x -322023017-1873 x -171929


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 322,023,017?

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 322,023,017, 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.

1 322,023,017
-1 -322,023,017

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 322,023,017.

Example:
1 x 322,023,017 = 322,023,017
and
-1 x -322,023,017 = 322,023,017
Notice both answers equal 322,023,017

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 322,023,017 and divide it by 2:

322,023,017 ÷ 2 = 161,011,508.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 161,011,508.5 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:

1 322,023,017
-1 -322,023,017

Now, we try dividing 322,023,017 by 3:

322,023,017 ÷ 3 = 107,341,005.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 107,341,005.6667 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:

1 322,023,017
-1 -322,023,017

Let's try dividing by 4:

322,023,017 ÷ 4 = 80,505,754.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 80,505,754.25 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:

1 322,023,017
-1 322,023,017
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11,873171,929322,023,017
-1-1,873-171,929-322,023,017

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 322,023,017:


Ask a Question