Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 52,931?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5293141 x 1291
Negative: -1 x -52931-41 x -1291


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 52,931?

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 52,931, 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 52,931
-1 -52,931

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 52,931.

Example:
1 x 52,931 = 52,931
and
-1 x -52,931 = 52,931
Notice both answers equal 52,931

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 52,931 and divide it by 2:

52,931 ÷ 2 = 26,465.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 26,465.5 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 52,931
-1 -52,931

Now, we try dividing 52,931 by 3:

52,931 ÷ 3 = 17,643.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 17,643.6667 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 52,931
-1 -52,931

Let's try dividing by 4:

52,931 ÷ 4 = 13,232.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,232.75 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 52,931
-1 52,931
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1411,29152,931
-1-41-1,291-52,931

More Examples

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