Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 41,718,887?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 417188877 x 5959841197 x 2117711379 x 30253
Negative: -1 x -41718887-7 x -5959841-197 x -211771-1379 x -30253


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 41,718,887?

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 41,718,887, 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 41,718,887
-1 -41,718,887

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 41,718,887.

Example:
1 x 41,718,887 = 41,718,887
and
-1 x -41,718,887 = 41,718,887
Notice both answers equal 41,718,887

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 41,718,887 and divide it by 2:

41,718,887 ÷ 2 = 20,859,443.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 20,859,443.5 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 41,718,887
-1 -41,718,887

Now, we try dividing 41,718,887 by 3:

41,718,887 ÷ 3 = 13,906,295.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 13,906,295.6667 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 41,718,887
-1 -41,718,887

Let's try dividing by 4:

41,718,887 ÷ 4 = 10,429,721.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,429,721.75 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 41,718,887
-1 41,718,887
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

171971,37930,253211,7715,959,84141,718,887
-1-7-197-1,379-30,253-211,771-5,959,841-41,718,887

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 41,718,887:


Ask a Question