Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 51,559?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5155947 x 1097
Negative:
-1 x -51559-47 x -1097
A:
Positive:
1 x 5155947 x 1097
Negative:
-1 x -51559-47 x -1097
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 51,559, 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 | 51,559 | |
-1 | -51,559 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 51,559.
Example:
1 x 51,559 = 51,559
and
-1 x -51,559 = 51,559
Notice both answers equal 51,559
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 51,559 and divide it by 2:
51,559 ÷ 2 = 25,779.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 25,779.5 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 | 51,559 | |
-1 | -51,559 |
Now, we try dividing 51,559 by 3:
51,559 ÷ 3 = 17,186.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 17,186.3333 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 | 51,559 | |
-1 | -51,559 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
51,559 ÷ 4 = 12,889.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,889.75 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 | 51,559 | |
-1 | 51,559 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 47 | 1,097 | 51,559 |
-1 | -47 | -1,097 | -51,559 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator