Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 342,443,137?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 34244313719 x 18023323
Negative: -1 x -342443137-19 x -18023323


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 342,443,137?

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 342,443,137, 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.

1 342,443,137
-1 -342,443,137

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 342,443,137.

Example:
1 x 342,443,137 = 342,443,137
and
-1 x -342,443,137 = 342,443,137
Notice both answers equal 342,443,137

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 342,443,137 and divide it by 2:

342,443,137 ÷ 2 = 171,221,568.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 171,221,568.5 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:

1 342,443,137
-1 -342,443,137

Now, we try dividing 342,443,137 by 3:

342,443,137 ÷ 3 = 114,147,712.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 114,147,712.3333 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:

1 342,443,137
-1 -342,443,137

Let's try dividing by 4:

342,443,137 ÷ 4 = 85,610,784.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 85,610,784.25 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:

1 342,443,137
-1 342,443,137
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11918,023,323342,443,137
-1-19-18,023,323-342,443,137

More Examples

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