Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 56,221?
A:
Positive:
1 x 5622111 x 511119 x 2959209 x 269
Negative:
-1 x -56221-11 x -5111-19 x -2959-209 x -269
A:
Positive:
1 x 5622111 x 511119 x 2959209 x 269
Negative:
-1 x -56221-11 x -5111-19 x -2959-209 x -269
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 56,221, 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 | 56,221 | |
-1 | -56,221 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 56,221.
Example:
1 x 56,221 = 56,221
and
-1 x -56,221 = 56,221
Notice both answers equal 56,221
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 56,221 and divide it by 2:
56,221 ÷ 2 = 28,110.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 28,110.5 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 | 56,221 | |
-1 | -56,221 |
Now, we try dividing 56,221 by 3:
56,221 ÷ 3 = 18,740.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 18,740.3333 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 | 56,221 | |
-1 | -56,221 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
56,221 ÷ 4 = 14,055.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 14,055.25 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 | 56,221 | |
-1 | 56,221 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 11 | 19 | 209 | 269 | 2,959 | 5,111 | 56,221 |
-1 | -11 | -19 | -209 | -269 | -2,959 | -5,111 | -56,221 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator