Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 47,861?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4786111 x 435119 x 2519209 x 229
Negative:
-1 x -47861-11 x -4351-19 x -2519-209 x -229
A:
Positive:
1 x 4786111 x 435119 x 2519209 x 229
Negative:
-1 x -47861-11 x -4351-19 x -2519-209 x -229
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 47,861, 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 | 47,861 | |
-1 | -47,861 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 47,861.
Example:
1 x 47,861 = 47,861
and
-1 x -47,861 = 47,861
Notice both answers equal 47,861
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 47,861 and divide it by 2:
47,861 ÷ 2 = 23,930.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 23,930.5 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 | 47,861 | |
-1 | -47,861 |
Now, we try dividing 47,861 by 3:
47,861 ÷ 3 = 15,953.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 15,953.6667 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 | 47,861 | |
-1 | -47,861 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
47,861 ÷ 4 = 11,965.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 11,965.25 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 | 47,861 | |
-1 | 47,861 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 19 | 209 | 229 | 2,519 | 4,351 | 47,861 |
-1 | -11 | -19 | -209 | -229 | -2,519 | -4,351 | -47,861 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator