Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 361,141,321?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 36114132129 x 12453149139 x 25981394031 x 89591
Negative: -1 x -361141321-29 x -12453149-139 x -2598139-4031 x -89591


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 361,141,321?

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 361,141,321, 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.

1 361,141,321
-1 -361,141,321

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 361,141,321.

Example:
1 x 361,141,321 = 361,141,321
and
-1 x -361,141,321 = 361,141,321
Notice both answers equal 361,141,321

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 361,141,321 and divide it by 2:

361,141,321 ÷ 2 = 180,570,660.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 180,570,660.5 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:

1 361,141,321
-1 -361,141,321

Now, we try dividing 361,141,321 by 3:

361,141,321 ÷ 3 = 120,380,440.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 120,380,440.3333 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:

1 361,141,321
-1 -361,141,321

Let's try dividing by 4:

361,141,321 ÷ 4 = 90,285,330.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 90,285,330.25 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:

1 361,141,321
-1 361,141,321
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1291394,03189,5912,598,13912,453,149361,141,321
-1-29-139-4,031-89,591-2,598,139-12,453,149-361,141,321

More Examples

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