Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 401,031,451?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4010314513319 x 120829
Negative:
-1 x -401031451-3319 x -120829
A:
Positive:
1 x 4010314513319 x 120829
Negative:
-1 x -401031451-3319 x -120829
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 401,031,451, 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 | 401,031,451 | |
-1 | -401,031,451 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 401,031,451.
Example:
1 x 401,031,451 = 401,031,451
and
-1 x -401,031,451 = 401,031,451
Notice both answers equal 401,031,451
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 401,031,451 and divide it by 2:
401,031,451 ÷ 2 = 200,515,725.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 200,515,725.5 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 | 401,031,451 | |
-1 | -401,031,451 |
Now, we try dividing 401,031,451 by 3:
401,031,451 ÷ 3 = 133,677,150.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 133,677,150.3333 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 | 401,031,451 | |
-1 | -401,031,451 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
401,031,451 ÷ 4 = 100,257,862.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,257,862.75 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 | 401,031,451 | |
-1 | 401,031,451 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 3,319 | 120,829 | 401,031,451 |
-1 | -3,319 | -120,829 | -401,031,451 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator