Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 412,021,421?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4120214217 x 58860203239 x 17239391673 x 246277
Negative: -1 x -412021421-7 x -58860203-239 x -1723939-1673 x -246277


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 412,021,421?

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 412,021,421, 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.

1 412,021,421
-1 -412,021,421

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 412,021,421.

Example:
1 x 412,021,421 = 412,021,421
and
-1 x -412,021,421 = 412,021,421
Notice both answers equal 412,021,421

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 412,021,421 and divide it by 2:

412,021,421 ÷ 2 = 206,010,710.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 206,010,710.5 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:

1 412,021,421
-1 -412,021,421

Now, we try dividing 412,021,421 by 3:

412,021,421 ÷ 3 = 137,340,473.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 137,340,473.6667 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:

1 412,021,421
-1 -412,021,421

Let's try dividing by 4:

412,021,421 ÷ 4 = 103,005,355.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 103,005,355.25 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:

1 412,021,421
-1 412,021,421
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

172391,673246,2771,723,93958,860,203412,021,421
-1-7-239-1,673-246,277-1,723,939-58,860,203-412,021,421

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 412,021,421:


Ask a Question