Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 42,232,217?
A:
Positive:
1 x 422322171567 x 26951
Negative:
-1 x -42232217-1567 x -26951
A:
Positive:
1 x 422322171567 x 26951
Negative:
-1 x -42232217-1567 x -26951
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 42,232,217, 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 | 42,232,217 | |
-1 | -42,232,217 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,232,217.
Example:
1 x 42,232,217 = 42,232,217
and
-1 x -42,232,217 = 42,232,217
Notice both answers equal 42,232,217
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,232,217 and divide it by 2:
42,232,217 ÷ 2 = 21,116,108.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,116,108.5 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 | 42,232,217 | |
-1 | -42,232,217 |
Now, we try dividing 42,232,217 by 3:
42,232,217 ÷ 3 = 14,077,405.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,077,405.6667 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 | 42,232,217 | |
-1 | -42,232,217 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,232,217 ÷ 4 = 10,558,054.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,558,054.25 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 | 42,232,217 | |
-1 | 42,232,217 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 1,567 | 26,951 | 42,232,217 |
-1 | -1,567 | -26,951 | -42,232,217 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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