Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 737,230,708?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 7372307082 x 3686153544 x 184307677
Negative: -1 x -737230708-2 x -368615354-4 x -184307677


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 737,230,708?

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 737,230,708, 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.

1 737,230,708
-1 -737,230,708

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 737,230,708.

Example:
1 x 737,230,708 = 737,230,708
and
-1 x -737,230,708 = 737,230,708
Notice both answers equal 737,230,708

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 737,230,708 and divide it by 2:

737,230,708 ÷ 2 = 368,615,354

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 368,615,354 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 368,615,354 737,230,708
-1 -2 -368,615,354 -737,230,708

Now, we try dividing 737,230,708 by 3:

737,230,708 ÷ 3 = 245,743,569.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 245,743,569.3333 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 2 368,615,354 737,230,708
-1 -2 -368,615,354 -737,230,708

Let's try dividing by 4:

737,230,708 ÷ 4 = 184,307,677

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 184,307,677 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 184,307,677 368,615,354 737,230,708
-1 -2 -4 -184,307,677 -368,615,354 737,230,708
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

124184,307,677368,615,354737,230,708
-1-2-4-184,307,677-368,615,354-737,230,708

More Examples

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