Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 421,202,261?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4212022611621 x 259841
Negative:
-1 x -421202261-1621 x -259841
A:
Positive:
1 x 4212022611621 x 259841
Negative:
-1 x -421202261-1621 x -259841
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 421,202,261, 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 | 421,202,261 | |
-1 | -421,202,261 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 421,202,261.
Example:
1 x 421,202,261 = 421,202,261
and
-1 x -421,202,261 = 421,202,261
Notice both answers equal 421,202,261
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 421,202,261 and divide it by 2:
421,202,261 ÷ 2 = 210,601,130.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 210,601,130.5 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 | 421,202,261 | |
-1 | -421,202,261 |
Now, we try dividing 421,202,261 by 3:
421,202,261 ÷ 3 = 140,400,753.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 140,400,753.6667 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 | 421,202,261 | |
-1 | -421,202,261 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
421,202,261 ÷ 4 = 105,300,565.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 105,300,565.25 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 | 421,202,261 | |
-1 | 421,202,261 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 1,621 | 259,841 | 421,202,261 |
-1 | -1,621 | -259,841 | -421,202,261 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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