Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 5,002,861?
A:
Positive:
1 x 500286141 x 122021
Negative:
-1 x -5002861-41 x -122021
A:
Positive:
1 x 500286141 x 122021
Negative:
-1 x -5002861-41 x -122021
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 5,002,861, 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 | 5,002,861 | |
-1 | -5,002,861 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 5,002,861.
Example:
1 x 5,002,861 = 5,002,861
and
-1 x -5,002,861 = 5,002,861
Notice both answers equal 5,002,861
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 5,002,861 and divide it by 2:
5,002,861 ÷ 2 = 2,501,430.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,501,430.5 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 | 5,002,861 | |
-1 | -5,002,861 |
Now, we try dividing 5,002,861 by 3:
5,002,861 ÷ 3 = 1,667,620.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,667,620.3333 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 | 5,002,861 | |
-1 | -5,002,861 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
5,002,861 ÷ 4 = 1,250,715.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,250,715.25 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 | 5,002,861 | |
-1 | 5,002,861 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 41 | 122,021 | 5,002,861 |
-1 | -41 | -122,021 | -5,002,861 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator