Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 50,281?
A:
Positive:
1 x 502817 x 718311 x 457177 x 653
Negative:
-1 x -50281-7 x -7183-11 x -4571-77 x -653
A:
Positive:
1 x 502817 x 718311 x 457177 x 653
Negative:
-1 x -50281-7 x -7183-11 x -4571-77 x -653
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 50,281, 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 | 50,281 | |
-1 | -50,281 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 50,281.
Example:
1 x 50,281 = 50,281
and
-1 x -50,281 = 50,281
Notice both answers equal 50,281
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 50,281 and divide it by 2:
50,281 ÷ 2 = 25,140.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,140.5 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 | 50,281 | |
-1 | -50,281 |
Now, we try dividing 50,281 by 3:
50,281 ÷ 3 = 16,760.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,760.3333 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 | 50,281 | |
-1 | -50,281 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
50,281 ÷ 4 = 12,570.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,570.25 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 | 50,281 | |
-1 | 50,281 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 11 | 77 | 653 | 4,571 | 7,183 | 50,281 |
-1 | -7 | -11 | -77 | -653 | -4,571 | -7,183 | -50,281 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator