Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 54,391?
A:
Positive:
1 x 54391109 x 499
Negative:
-1 x -54391-109 x -499
A:
Positive:
1 x 54391109 x 499
Negative:
-1 x -54391-109 x -499
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 54,391, 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 | 54,391 | |
-1 | -54,391 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 54,391.
Example:
1 x 54,391 = 54,391
and
-1 x -54,391 = 54,391
Notice both answers equal 54,391
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 54,391 and divide it by 2:
54,391 ÷ 2 = 27,195.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 27,195.5 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 | 54,391 | |
-1 | -54,391 |
Now, we try dividing 54,391 by 3:
54,391 ÷ 3 = 18,130.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 18,130.3333 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 | 54,391 | |
-1 | -54,391 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
54,391 ÷ 4 = 13,597.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,597.75 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 | 54,391 | |
-1 | 54,391 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 109 | 499 | 54,391 |
-1 | -109 | -499 | -54,391 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator