Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 46,915?
A:
Positive:
1 x 469155 x 938311 x 426555 x 853
Negative:
-1 x -46915-5 x -9383-11 x -4265-55 x -853
A:
Positive:
1 x 469155 x 938311 x 426555 x 853
Negative:
-1 x -46915-5 x -9383-11 x -4265-55 x -853
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 46,915, 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 | 46,915 | |
-1 | -46,915 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 46,915.
Example:
1 x 46,915 = 46,915
and
-1 x -46,915 = 46,915
Notice both answers equal 46,915
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 46,915 and divide it by 2:
46,915 ÷ 2 = 23,457.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,457.5 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 | 46,915 | |
-1 | -46,915 |
Now, we try dividing 46,915 by 3:
46,915 ÷ 3 = 15,638.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,638.3333 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 | 46,915 | |
-1 | -46,915 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
46,915 ÷ 4 = 11,728.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,728.75 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 | 46,915 | |
-1 | 46,915 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 5 | 11 | 55 | 853 | 4,265 | 9,383 | 46,915 |
-1 | -5 | -11 | -55 | -853 | -4,265 | -9,383 | -46,915 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator