Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 402,521,221?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4025212217853 x 51257
Negative:
-1 x -402521221-7853 x -51257
A:
Positive:
1 x 4025212217853 x 51257
Negative:
-1 x -402521221-7853 x -51257
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 402,521,221, 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 | 402,521,221 | |
-1 | -402,521,221 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 402,521,221.
Example:
1 x 402,521,221 = 402,521,221
and
-1 x -402,521,221 = 402,521,221
Notice both answers equal 402,521,221
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 402,521,221 and divide it by 2:
402,521,221 ÷ 2 = 201,260,610.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 201,260,610.5 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 | 402,521,221 | |
-1 | -402,521,221 |
Now, we try dividing 402,521,221 by 3:
402,521,221 ÷ 3 = 134,173,740.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 134,173,740.3333 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 | 402,521,221 | |
-1 | -402,521,221 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
402,521,221 ÷ 4 = 100,630,305.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 100,630,305.25 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 | 402,521,221 | |
-1 | 402,521,221 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7,853 | 51,257 | 402,521,221 |
-1 | -7,853 | -51,257 | -402,521,221 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator