Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 51,271?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5127111 x 466159 x 86979 x 649
Negative: -1 x -51271-11 x -4661-59 x -869-79 x -649


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 51,271?

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 51,271, 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 51,271
-1 -51,271

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 51,271.

Example:
1 x 51,271 = 51,271
and
-1 x -51,271 = 51,271
Notice both answers equal 51,271

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 51,271 and divide it by 2:

51,271 ÷ 2 = 25,635.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,635.5 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 51,271
-1 -51,271

Now, we try dividing 51,271 by 3:

51,271 ÷ 3 = 17,090.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 17,090.3333 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 51,271
-1 -51,271

Let's try dividing by 4:

51,271 ÷ 4 = 12,817.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,817.75 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 51,271
-1 51,271
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

11159796498694,66151,271
-1-11-59-79-649-869-4,661-51,271

More Examples

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