Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 342,214,441?
A:
Positive:
1 x 342214441
Negative:
-1 x -342214441
A:
Positive:
1 x 342214441
Negative:
-1 x -342214441
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 342,214,441, 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 | 342,214,441 | |
-1 | -342,214,441 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 342,214,441.
Example:
1 x 342,214,441 = 342,214,441
and
-1 x -342,214,441 = 342,214,441
Notice both answers equal 342,214,441
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 342,214,441 and divide it by 2:
342,214,441 ÷ 2 = 171,107,220.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 171,107,220.5 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 | 342,214,441 | |
-1 | -342,214,441 |
Now, we try dividing 342,214,441 by 3:
342,214,441 ÷ 3 = 114,071,480.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 114,071,480.3333 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 | 342,214,441 | |
-1 | -342,214,441 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
342,214,441 ÷ 4 = 85,553,610.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,553,610.25 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 | 342,214,441 | |
-1 | 342,214,441 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 342,214,441 |
-1 | -342,214,441 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator