Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 50,564?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 505642 x 252824 x 12641
Negative: -1 x -50564-2 x -25282-4 x -12641


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 50,564?

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 50,564, 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 50,564
-1 -50,564

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 50,564.

Example:
1 x 50,564 = 50,564
and
-1 x -50,564 = 50,564
Notice both answers equal 50,564

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 50,564 and divide it by 2:

50,564 ÷ 2 = 25,282

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,282 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 25,282 50,564
-1 -2 -25,282 -50,564

Now, we try dividing 50,564 by 3:

50,564 ÷ 3 = 16,854.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,854.6667 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 2 25,282 50,564
-1 -2 -25,282 -50,564

Let's try dividing by 4:

50,564 ÷ 4 = 12,641

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,641 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 12,641 25,282 50,564
-1 -2 -4 -12,641 -25,282 50,564
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12412,64125,28250,564
-1-2-4-12,641-25,282-50,564

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 50,564:


Ask a Question