Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 50,923?
A:
Positive:
1 x 50923
Negative:
-1 x -50923
A:
Positive:
1 x 50923
Negative:
-1 x -50923
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 50,923, 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 | 50,923 | |
-1 | -50,923 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 50,923.
Example:
1 x 50,923 = 50,923
and
-1 x -50,923 = 50,923
Notice both answers equal 50,923
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 50,923 and divide it by 2:
50,923 ÷ 2 = 25,461.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,461.5 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 | 50,923 | |
-1 | -50,923 |
Now, we try dividing 50,923 by 3:
50,923 ÷ 3 = 16,974.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,974.3333 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 | 50,923 | |
-1 | -50,923 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
50,923 ÷ 4 = 12,730.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,730.75 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 | 50,923 | |
-1 | 50,923 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 50,923 |
-1 | -50,923 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator