Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 90,491?
A:
Positive:
1 x 9049117 x 5323
Negative:
-1 x -90491-17 x -5323
A:
Positive:
1 x 9049117 x 5323
Negative:
-1 x -90491-17 x -5323
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 90,491, 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 | 90,491 | |
-1 | -90,491 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 90,491.
Example:
1 x 90,491 = 90,491
and
-1 x -90,491 = 90,491
Notice both answers equal 90,491
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 90,491 and divide it by 2:
90,491 ÷ 2 = 45,245.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 45,245.5 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 | 90,491 | |
-1 | -90,491 |
Now, we try dividing 90,491 by 3:
90,491 ÷ 3 = 30,163.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 30,163.6667 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 | 90,491 | |
-1 | -90,491 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
90,491 ÷ 4 = 22,622.75
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 22,622.75 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 | 90,491 | |
-1 | 90,491 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 17 | 5,323 | 90,491 |
-1 | -17 | -5,323 | -90,491 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator