Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 55,187?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5518711 x 501729 x 1903173 x 319
Negative:
-1 x -55187-11 x -5017-29 x -1903-173 x -319
A:
Positive:
1 x 5518711 x 501729 x 1903173 x 319
Negative:
-1 x -55187-11 x -5017-29 x -1903-173 x -319
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 55,187, 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 | 55,187 | |
-1 | -55,187 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 55,187.
Example:
1 x 55,187 = 55,187
and
-1 x -55,187 = 55,187
Notice both answers equal 55,187
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 55,187 and divide it by 2:
55,187 ÷ 2 = 27,593.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 27,593.5 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 | 55,187 | |
-1 | -55,187 |
Now, we try dividing 55,187 by 3:
55,187 ÷ 3 = 18,395.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 18,395.6667 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 | 55,187 | |
-1 | -55,187 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
55,187 ÷ 4 = 13,796.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,796.75 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 | 55,187 | |
-1 | 55,187 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 29 | 173 | 319 | 1,903 | 5,017 | 55,187 |
-1 | -11 | -29 | -173 | -319 | -1,903 | -5,017 | -55,187 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator