Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 72,771,011?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7277101123 x 3163957
Negative: -1 x -72771011-23 x -3163957


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 72,771,011?

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 72,771,011, 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 72,771,011
-1 -72,771,011

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 72,771,011.

Example:
1 x 72,771,011 = 72,771,011
and
-1 x -72,771,011 = 72,771,011
Notice both answers equal 72,771,011

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 72,771,011 and divide it by 2:

72,771,011 ÷ 2 = 36,385,505.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 36,385,505.5 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 72,771,011
-1 -72,771,011

Now, we try dividing 72,771,011 by 3:

72,771,011 ÷ 3 = 24,257,003.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 24,257,003.6667 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 72,771,011
-1 -72,771,011

Let's try dividing by 4:

72,771,011 ÷ 4 = 18,192,752.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 18,192,752.75 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 72,771,011
-1 72,771,011
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1233,163,95772,771,011
-1-23-3,163,957-72,771,011

More Examples

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