Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 787,178,501?
A:
Positive:
1 x 7871785018521 x 92381
Negative:
-1 x -787178501-8521 x -92381
A:
Positive:
1 x 7871785018521 x 92381
Negative:
-1 x -787178501-8521 x -92381
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 787,178,501, 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 | 787,178,501 | |
-1 | -787,178,501 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 787,178,501.
Example:
1 x 787,178,501 = 787,178,501
and
-1 x -787,178,501 = 787,178,501
Notice both answers equal 787,178,501
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 787,178,501 and divide it by 2:
787,178,501 ÷ 2 = 393,589,250.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 393,589,250.5 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 | 787,178,501 | |
-1 | -787,178,501 |
Now, we try dividing 787,178,501 by 3:
787,178,501 ÷ 3 = 262,392,833.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 262,392,833.6667 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 | 787,178,501 | |
-1 | -787,178,501 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
787,178,501 ÷ 4 = 196,794,625.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 196,794,625.25 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 | 787,178,501 | |
-1 | 787,178,501 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 8,521 | 92,381 | 787,178,501 |
-1 | -8,521 | -92,381 | -787,178,501 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator