Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,022,151?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4202215189 x 472159
Negative: -1 x -42022151-89 x -472159


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 42,022,151?

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 42,022,151, 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 42,022,151
-1 -42,022,151

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 42,022,151.

Example:
1 x 42,022,151 = 42,022,151
and
-1 x -42,022,151 = 42,022,151
Notice both answers equal 42,022,151

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,022,151 and divide it by 2:

42,022,151 ÷ 2 = 21,011,075.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,011,075.5 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 42,022,151
-1 -42,022,151

Now, we try dividing 42,022,151 by 3:

42,022,151 ÷ 3 = 14,007,383.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,007,383.6667 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 42,022,151
-1 -42,022,151

Let's try dividing by 4:

42,022,151 ÷ 4 = 10,505,537.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,505,537.75 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 42,022,151
-1 42,022,151
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

189472,15942,022,151
-1-89-472,159-42,022,151

More Examples

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