Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 50,851,651?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 50851651
Negative: -1 x -50851651


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 50,851,651?

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 50,851,651, 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 50,851,651
-1 -50,851,651

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 50,851,651.

Example:
1 x 50,851,651 = 50,851,651
and
-1 x -50,851,651 = 50,851,651
Notice both answers equal 50,851,651

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 50,851,651 and divide it by 2:

50,851,651 ÷ 2 = 25,425,825.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,425,825.5 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 50,851,651
-1 -50,851,651

Now, we try dividing 50,851,651 by 3:

50,851,651 ÷ 3 = 16,950,550.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,950,550.3333 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 50,851,651
-1 -50,851,651

Let's try dividing by 4:

50,851,651 ÷ 4 = 12,712,912.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,712,912.75 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 50,851,651
-1 50,851,651
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

150,851,651
-1-50,851,651

More Examples

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