Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 59,756?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 597562 x 298784 x 14939
Negative: -1 x -59756-2 x -29878-4 x -14939


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 59,756?

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 59,756, 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 59,756
-1 -59,756

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 59,756.

Example:
1 x 59,756 = 59,756
and
-1 x -59,756 = 59,756
Notice both answers equal 59,756

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 59,756 and divide it by 2:

59,756 ÷ 2 = 29,878

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 29,878 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 29,878 59,756
-1 -2 -29,878 -59,756

Now, we try dividing 59,756 by 3:

59,756 ÷ 3 = 19,918.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 19,918.6667 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 2 29,878 59,756
-1 -2 -29,878 -59,756

Let's try dividing by 4:

59,756 ÷ 4 = 14,939

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 14,939 are factors. In this case, the quotient is a whole number. Write them in the table inside the other two factors like the below example. Don't forget to write the negative numbers too!

Here is what our table should look like at this step:

1 2 4 14,939 29,878 59,756
-1 -2 -4 -14,939 -29,878 59,756
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

12414,93929,87859,756
-1-2-4-14,939-29,878-59,756

More Examples

Here are some more numbers to try:

Try the factor calculator

Explore more about the number 59,756:


Ask a Question