Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 56,050,873?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 56050873
Negative: -1 x -56050873


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 56,050,873?

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 56,050,873, 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 56,050,873
-1 -56,050,873

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 56,050,873.

Example:
1 x 56,050,873 = 56,050,873
and
-1 x -56,050,873 = 56,050,873
Notice both answers equal 56,050,873

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 56,050,873 and divide it by 2:

56,050,873 ÷ 2 = 28,025,436.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 28,025,436.5 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 56,050,873
-1 -56,050,873

Now, we try dividing 56,050,873 by 3:

56,050,873 ÷ 3 = 18,683,624.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 18,683,624.3333 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 56,050,873
-1 -56,050,873

Let's try dividing by 4:

56,050,873 ÷ 4 = 14,012,718.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 14,012,718.25 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 56,050,873
-1 56,050,873
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

156,050,873
-1-56,050,873

More Examples

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