Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 46,048,087?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4604808717 x 2708711
Negative: -1 x -46048087-17 x -2708711


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 46,048,087?

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 46,048,087, 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 46,048,087
-1 -46,048,087

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 46,048,087.

Example:
1 x 46,048,087 = 46,048,087
and
-1 x -46,048,087 = 46,048,087
Notice both answers equal 46,048,087

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 46,048,087 and divide it by 2:

46,048,087 ÷ 2 = 23,024,043.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,024,043.5 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 46,048,087
-1 -46,048,087

Now, we try dividing 46,048,087 by 3:

46,048,087 ÷ 3 = 15,349,362.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,349,362.3333 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 46,048,087
-1 -46,048,087

Let's try dividing by 4:

46,048,087 ÷ 4 = 11,512,021.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,512,021.75 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 46,048,087
-1 46,048,087
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1172,708,71146,048,087
-1-17-2,708,711-46,048,087

More Examples

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