A:
Positive:
1 x 4250313111 x 3863921223 x 1905972453 x 17327
Negative:
-1 x -42503131-11 x -3863921-223 x -190597-2453 x -17327
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 42,503,131, 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 | 42,503,131 | |
| -1 | -42,503,131 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 42,503,131.
Example:
1 x 42,503,131 = 42,503,131
and
-1 x -42,503,131 = 42,503,131
Notice both answers equal 42,503,131
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 42,503,131 and divide it by 2:
42,503,131 ÷ 2 = 21,251,565.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 21,251,565.5 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 | 42,503,131 | |
| -1 | -42,503,131 |
Now, we try dividing 42,503,131 by 3:
42,503,131 ÷ 3 = 14,167,710.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 14,167,710.3333 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 | 42,503,131 | |
| -1 | -42,503,131 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
42,503,131 ÷ 4 = 10,625,782.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,625,782.75 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 | 42,503,131 | |
| -1 | 42,503,131 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
| 1 | 11 | 223 | 2,453 | 17,327 | 190,597 | 3,863,921 | 42,503,131 |
| -1 | -11 | -223 | -2,453 | -17,327 | -190,597 | -3,863,921 | -42,503,131 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator