Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 401,052,841?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4010528417 x 57293263137 x 2927393959 x 418199
Negative: -1 x -401052841-7 x -57293263-137 x -2927393-959 x -418199


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 401,052,841?

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 401,052,841, 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.

1 401,052,841
-1 -401,052,841

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 401,052,841.

Example:
1 x 401,052,841 = 401,052,841
and
-1 x -401,052,841 = 401,052,841
Notice both answers equal 401,052,841

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 401,052,841 and divide it by 2:

401,052,841 ÷ 2 = 200,526,420.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 200,526,420.5 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:

1 401,052,841
-1 -401,052,841

Now, we try dividing 401,052,841 by 3:

401,052,841 ÷ 3 = 133,684,280.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 133,684,280.3333 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:

1 401,052,841
-1 -401,052,841

Let's try dividing by 4:

401,052,841 ÷ 4 = 100,263,210.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,263,210.25 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:

1 401,052,841
-1 401,052,841
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

17137959418,1992,927,39357,293,263401,052,841
-1-7-137-959-418,199-2,927,393-57,293,263-401,052,841

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 401,052,841:


Ask a Question