Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 464,331,421?
A:
Positive:
1 x 46433142117 x 27313613
Negative:
-1 x -464331421-17 x -27313613
A:
Positive:
1 x 46433142117 x 27313613
Negative:
-1 x -464331421-17 x -27313613
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 464,331,421, 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 | 464,331,421 | |
-1 | -464,331,421 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 464,331,421.
Example:
1 x 464,331,421 = 464,331,421
and
-1 x -464,331,421 = 464,331,421
Notice both answers equal 464,331,421
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 464,331,421 and divide it by 2:
464,331,421 ÷ 2 = 232,165,710.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 232,165,710.5 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 | 464,331,421 | |
-1 | -464,331,421 |
Now, we try dividing 464,331,421 by 3:
464,331,421 ÷ 3 = 154,777,140.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 154,777,140.3333 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 | 464,331,421 | |
-1 | -464,331,421 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
464,331,421 ÷ 4 = 116,082,855.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 116,082,855.25 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 | 464,331,421 | |
-1 | 464,331,421 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 27,313,613 | 464,331,421 |
-1 | -17 | -27,313,613 | -464,331,421 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
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