Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 372,131,179?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 3721311797 x 5316159753 x 7021343371 x 1003049
Negative: -1 x -372131179-7 x -53161597-53 x -7021343-371 x -1003049


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 372,131,179?

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 372,131,179, 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.

1 372,131,179
-1 -372,131,179

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 372,131,179.

Example:
1 x 372,131,179 = 372,131,179
and
-1 x -372,131,179 = 372,131,179
Notice both answers equal 372,131,179

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 372,131,179 and divide it by 2:

372,131,179 ÷ 2 = 186,065,589.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 186,065,589.5 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:

1 372,131,179
-1 -372,131,179

Now, we try dividing 372,131,179 by 3:

372,131,179 ÷ 3 = 124,043,726.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 124,043,726.3333 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:

1 372,131,179
-1 -372,131,179

Let's try dividing by 4:

372,131,179 ÷ 4 = 93,032,794.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 93,032,794.75 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:

1 372,131,179
-1 372,131,179
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17533711,003,0497,021,34353,161,597372,131,179
-1-7-53-371-1,003,049-7,021,343-53,161,597-372,131,179

More Examples

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