Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 5,043,887?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5043887547 x 9221
Negative: -1 x -5043887-547 x -9221


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 5,043,887?

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 5,043,887, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.

Outside in Factoring

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 5,043,887
-1 -5,043,887

Why are the negative numbers included?

When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 5,043,887.

Example:
1 x 5,043,887 = 5,043,887
and
-1 x -5,043,887 = 5,043,887
Notice both answers equal 5,043,887

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 5,043,887 and divide it by 2:

5,043,887 ÷ 2 = 2,521,943.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,521,943.5 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 5,043,887
-1 -5,043,887

Now, we try dividing 5,043,887 by 3:

5,043,887 ÷ 3 = 1,681,295.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,681,295.6667 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 5,043,887
-1 -5,043,887

Let's try dividing by 4:

5,043,887 ÷ 4 = 1,260,971.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,260,971.75 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 5,043,887
-1 5,043,887
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

If you did it right, you will end up with this table:

15479,2215,043,887
-1-547-9,221-5,043,887

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 5,043,887:


Ask a Question