Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 46,074,401?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4607440131 x 1486271
Negative: -1 x -46074401-31 x -1486271


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 46,074,401?

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 46,074,401, 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 46,074,401
-1 -46,074,401

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 46,074,401.

Example:
1 x 46,074,401 = 46,074,401
and
-1 x -46,074,401 = 46,074,401
Notice both answers equal 46,074,401

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 46,074,401 and divide it by 2:

46,074,401 ÷ 2 = 23,037,200.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,037,200.5 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 46,074,401
-1 -46,074,401

Now, we try dividing 46,074,401 by 3:

46,074,401 ÷ 3 = 15,358,133.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,358,133.6667 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 46,074,401
-1 -46,074,401

Let's try dividing by 4:

46,074,401 ÷ 4 = 11,518,600.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,518,600.25 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 46,074,401
-1 46,074,401
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1311,486,27146,074,401
-1-31-1,486,271-46,074,401

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 46,074,401:


Ask a Question