Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 551,235,403?
A:
Positive:
1 x 55123540323071 x 23893
Negative:
-1 x -551235403-23071 x -23893
A:
Positive:
1 x 55123540323071 x 23893
Negative:
-1 x -551235403-23071 x -23893
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 551,235,403, 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 | 551,235,403 | |
-1 | -551,235,403 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 551,235,403.
Example:
1 x 551,235,403 = 551,235,403
and
-1 x -551,235,403 = 551,235,403
Notice both answers equal 551,235,403
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 551,235,403 and divide it by 2:
551,235,403 ÷ 2 = 275,617,701.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 275,617,701.5 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 | 551,235,403 | |
-1 | -551,235,403 |
Now, we try dividing 551,235,403 by 3:
551,235,403 ÷ 3 = 183,745,134.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 183,745,134.3333 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 | 551,235,403 | |
-1 | -551,235,403 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
551,235,403 ÷ 4 = 137,808,850.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 137,808,850.75 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 | 551,235,403 | |
-1 | 551,235,403 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 23,071 | 23,893 | 551,235,403 |
-1 | -23,071 | -23,893 | -551,235,403 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator