Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 423,421,031?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 42342103111 x 384928211499 x 28246916489 x 25679
Negative: -1 x -423421031-11 x -38492821-1499 x -282469-16489 x -25679


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 423,421,031?

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 423,421,031, 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.

1 423,421,031
-1 -423,421,031

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 423,421,031.

Example:
1 x 423,421,031 = 423,421,031
and
-1 x -423,421,031 = 423,421,031
Notice both answers equal 423,421,031

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 423,421,031 and divide it by 2:

423,421,031 ÷ 2 = 211,710,515.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 211,710,515.5 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:

1 423,421,031
-1 -423,421,031

Now, we try dividing 423,421,031 by 3:

423,421,031 ÷ 3 = 141,140,343.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 141,140,343.6667 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:

1 423,421,031
-1 -423,421,031

Let's try dividing by 4:

423,421,031 ÷ 4 = 105,855,257.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 105,855,257.75 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:

1 423,421,031
-1 423,421,031
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1111,49916,48925,679282,46938,492,821423,421,031
-1-11-1,499-16,489-25,679-282,469-38,492,821-423,421,031

More Examples

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