Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 59,857?
A:
Positive:
1 x 598577 x 855117 x 3521119 x 503
Negative:
-1 x -59857-7 x -8551-17 x -3521-119 x -503
A:
Positive:
1 x 598577 x 855117 x 3521119 x 503
Negative:
-1 x -59857-7 x -8551-17 x -3521-119 x -503
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 59,857, 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 | 59,857 | |
-1 | -59,857 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 59,857.
Example:
1 x 59,857 = 59,857
and
-1 x -59,857 = 59,857
Notice both answers equal 59,857
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 59,857 and divide it by 2:
59,857 ÷ 2 = 29,928.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 29,928.5 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 | 59,857 | |
-1 | -59,857 |
Now, we try dividing 59,857 by 3:
59,857 ÷ 3 = 19,952.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 19,952.3333 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 | 59,857 | |
-1 | -59,857 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
59,857 ÷ 4 = 14,964.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 14,964.25 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 | 59,857 | |
-1 | 59,857 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 7 | 17 | 119 | 503 | 3,521 | 8,551 | 59,857 |
-1 | -7 | -17 | -119 | -503 | -3,521 | -8,551 | -59,857 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator