Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 41,059?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4105919 x 2161
Negative: -1 x -41059-19 x -2161


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 41,059?

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 41,059, 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 41,059
-1 -41,059

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 41,059.

Example:
1 x 41,059 = 41,059
and
-1 x -41,059 = 41,059
Notice both answers equal 41,059

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 41,059 and divide it by 2:

41,059 ÷ 2 = 20,529.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 20,529.5 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 41,059
-1 -41,059

Now, we try dividing 41,059 by 3:

41,059 ÷ 3 = 13,686.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 13,686.3333 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 41,059
-1 -41,059

Let's try dividing by 4:

41,059 ÷ 4 = 10,264.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 10,264.75 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 41,059
-1 41,059
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1192,16141,059
-1-19-2,161-41,059

More Examples

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