Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 742,772,083?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 742772083
Negative: -1 x -742772083


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 742,772,083?

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 742,772,083, 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.

1 742,772,083
-1 -742,772,083

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 742,772,083.

Example:
1 x 742,772,083 = 742,772,083
and
-1 x -742,772,083 = 742,772,083
Notice both answers equal 742,772,083

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 742,772,083 and divide it by 2:

742,772,083 ÷ 2 = 371,386,041.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 371,386,041.5 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:

1 742,772,083
-1 -742,772,083

Now, we try dividing 742,772,083 by 3:

742,772,083 ÷ 3 = 247,590,694.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 247,590,694.3333 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:

1 742,772,083
-1 -742,772,083

Let's try dividing by 4:

742,772,083 ÷ 4 = 185,693,020.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 185,693,020.75 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:

1 742,772,083
-1 742,772,083
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1742,772,083
-1-742,772,083

More Examples

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