Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 46,631?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4663113 x 358717 x 2743211 x 221
Negative:
-1 x -46631-13 x -3587-17 x -2743-211 x -221
A:
Positive:
1 x 4663113 x 358717 x 2743211 x 221
Negative:
-1 x -46631-13 x -3587-17 x -2743-211 x -221
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 46,631, 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 | 46,631 | |
-1 | -46,631 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 46,631.
Example:
1 x 46,631 = 46,631
and
-1 x -46,631 = 46,631
Notice both answers equal 46,631
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 46,631 and divide it by 2:
46,631 ÷ 2 = 23,315.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,315.5 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 | 46,631 | |
-1 | -46,631 |
Now, we try dividing 46,631 by 3:
46,631 ÷ 3 = 15,543.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,543.6667 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 | 46,631 | |
-1 | -46,631 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
46,631 ÷ 4 = 11,657.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,657.75 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 | 46,631 | |
-1 | 46,631 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 17 | 211 | 221 | 2,743 | 3,587 | 46,631 |
-1 | -13 | -17 | -211 | -221 | -2,743 | -3,587 | -46,631 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator