Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 48,737?
A:
Positive:
1 x 4873713 x 374923 x 2119163 x 299
Negative:
-1 x -48737-13 x -3749-23 x -2119-163 x -299
A:
Positive:
1 x 4873713 x 374923 x 2119163 x 299
Negative:
-1 x -48737-13 x -3749-23 x -2119-163 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 48,737, 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 | 48,737 | |
-1 | -48,737 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 48,737.
Example:
1 x 48,737 = 48,737
and
-1 x -48,737 = 48,737
Notice both answers equal 48,737
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 48,737 and divide it by 2:
48,737 ÷ 2 = 24,368.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 24,368.5 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 | 48,737 | |
-1 | -48,737 |
Now, we try dividing 48,737 by 3:
48,737 ÷ 3 = 16,245.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,245.6667 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 | 48,737 | |
-1 | -48,737 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
48,737 ÷ 4 = 12,184.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,184.25 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 | 48,737 | |
-1 | 48,737 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 13 | 23 | 163 | 299 | 2,119 | 3,749 | 48,737 |
-1 | -13 | -23 | -163 | -299 | -2,119 | -3,749 | -48,737 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator