Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 50,872?
A:
Positive:
1 x 508722 x 254364 x 127188 x 6359
Negative:
-1 x -50872-2 x -25436-4 x -12718-8 x -6359
A:
Positive:
1 x 508722 x 254364 x 127188 x 6359
Negative:
-1 x -50872-2 x -25436-4 x -12718-8 x -6359
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 50,872, 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 | 50,872 | |
-1 | -50,872 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 50,872.
Example:
1 x 50,872 = 50,872
and
-1 x -50,872 = 50,872
Notice both answers equal 50,872
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 50,872 and divide it by 2:
50,872 ÷ 2 = 25,436
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,436 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 | 25,436 | 50,872 | |
-1 | -2 | -25,436 | -50,872 |
Now, we try dividing 50,872 by 3:
50,872 ÷ 3 = 16,957.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,957.3333 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 | 2 | 25,436 | 50,872 | |
-1 | -2 | -25,436 | -50,872 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
50,872 ÷ 4 = 12,718
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,718 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 | 12,718 | 25,436 | 50,872 | |
-1 | -2 | -4 | -12,718 | -25,436 | 50,872 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 6,359 | 12,718 | 25,436 | 50,872 |
-1 | -2 | -4 | -8 | -6,359 | -12,718 | -25,436 | -50,872 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator