Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 48,793?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 4879359 x 827
Negative: -1 x -48793-59 x -827


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 48,793?

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 48,793, 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 48,793
-1 -48,793

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 48,793.

Example:
1 x 48,793 = 48,793
and
-1 x -48,793 = 48,793
Notice both answers equal 48,793

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 48,793 and divide it by 2:

48,793 ÷ 2 = 24,396.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 24,396.5 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 48,793
-1 -48,793

Now, we try dividing 48,793 by 3:

48,793 ÷ 3 = 16,264.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 16,264.3333 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 48,793
-1 -48,793

Let's try dividing by 4:

48,793 ÷ 4 = 12,198.25

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 12,198.25 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 48,793
-1 48,793
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15982748,793
-1-59-827-48,793

More Examples

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