Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 49,591?
A:
Positive:
1 x 49591101 x 491
Negative:
-1 x -49591-101 x -491
A:
Positive:
1 x 49591101 x 491
Negative:
-1 x -49591-101 x -491
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 49,591, 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 | 49,591 | |
-1 | -49,591 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 49,591.
Example:
1 x 49,591 = 49,591
and
-1 x -49,591 = 49,591
Notice both answers equal 49,591
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 49,591 and divide it by 2:
49,591 ÷ 2 = 24,795.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 24,795.5 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 | 49,591 | |
-1 | -49,591 |
Now, we try dividing 49,591 by 3:
49,591 ÷ 3 = 16,530.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,530.3333 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 | 49,591 | |
-1 | -49,591 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
49,591 ÷ 4 = 12,397.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,397.75 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 | 49,591 | |
-1 | 49,591 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 101 | 491 | 49,591 |
-1 | -101 | -491 | -49,591 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator