Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 46,943?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4694313 x 361123 x 2041157 x 299
Negative:
-1 x -46943-13 x -3611-23 x -2041-157 x -299
A:
Positive:
1 x 4694313 x 361123 x 2041157 x 299
Negative:
-1 x -46943-13 x -3611-23 x -2041-157 x -299
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 46,943, 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 | 46,943 | |
-1 | -46,943 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 46,943.
Example:
1 x 46,943 = 46,943
and
-1 x -46,943 = 46,943
Notice both answers equal 46,943
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 46,943 and divide it by 2:
46,943 ÷ 2 = 23,471.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,471.5 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 | 46,943 | |
-1 | -46,943 |
Now, we try dividing 46,943 by 3:
46,943 ÷ 3 = 15,647.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,647.6667 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 | 46,943 | |
-1 | -46,943 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
46,943 ÷ 4 = 11,735.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,735.75 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 | 46,943 | |
-1 | 46,943 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 23 | 157 | 299 | 2,041 | 3,611 | 46,943 |
-1 | -13 | -23 | -157 | -299 | -2,041 | -3,611 | -46,943 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator