How do I find the factor combinations of the number 166,103,436?
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 166,103,436, 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 |
|
166,103,436 |
-1 |
|
-166,103,436 |
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 166,103,436.
Example:
1 x 166,103,436 = 166,103,436
and
-1 x -166,103,436 = 166,103,436
Notice both answers equal 166,103,436
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 166,103,436 and divide it by 2:
166,103,436 ÷ 2 = 83,051,718
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 83,051,718 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:
Now, we try dividing 166,103,436 by 3:
166,103,436 ÷ 3 = 55,367,812
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 55,367,812 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:
Let's try dividing by 4:
166,103,436 ÷ 4 = 41,525,859
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 41,525,859 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:
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
More Examples
Here are some more numbers to try:
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