Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 53,251?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5325111 x 484147 x 1133103 x 517
Negative:
-1 x -53251-11 x -4841-47 x -1133-103 x -517
A:
Positive:
1 x 5325111 x 484147 x 1133103 x 517
Negative:
-1 x -53251-11 x -4841-47 x -1133-103 x -517
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 53,251, 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 | 53,251 | |
-1 | -53,251 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 53,251.
Example:
1 x 53,251 = 53,251
and
-1 x -53,251 = 53,251
Notice both answers equal 53,251
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 53,251 and divide it by 2:
53,251 ÷ 2 = 26,625.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 26,625.5 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 | 53,251 | |
-1 | -53,251 |
Now, we try dividing 53,251 by 3:
53,251 ÷ 3 = 17,750.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 17,750.3333 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 | 53,251 | |
-1 | -53,251 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
53,251 ÷ 4 = 13,312.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,312.75 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 | 53,251 | |
-1 | 53,251 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 47 | 103 | 517 | 1,133 | 4,841 | 53,251 |
-1 | -11 | -47 | -103 | -517 | -1,133 | -4,841 | -53,251 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator