Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 332,223,431?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 33222343123 x 14444497
Negative: -1 x -332223431-23 x -14444497


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 332,223,431?

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 332,223,431, 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.

1 332,223,431
-1 -332,223,431

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 332,223,431.

Example:
1 x 332,223,431 = 332,223,431
and
-1 x -332,223,431 = 332,223,431
Notice both answers equal 332,223,431

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 332,223,431 and divide it by 2:

332,223,431 ÷ 2 = 166,111,715.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 166,111,715.5 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:

1 332,223,431
-1 -332,223,431

Now, we try dividing 332,223,431 by 3:

332,223,431 ÷ 3 = 110,741,143.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 110,741,143.6667 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:

1 332,223,431
-1 -332,223,431

Let's try dividing by 4:

332,223,431 ÷ 4 = 83,055,857.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 83,055,857.75 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:

1 332,223,431
-1 332,223,431
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12314,444,497332,223,431
-1-23-14,444,497-332,223,431

More Examples

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