Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 5,041?
A:
Positive:
1 x 504171 x 71
Negative:
-1 x -5041-71 x -71
A:
Positive:
1 x 504171 x 71
Negative:
-1 x -5041-71 x -71
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 5,041, 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 | 5,041 | |
-1 | -5,041 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 5,041.
Example:
1 x 5,041 = 5,041
and
-1 x -5,041 = 5,041
Notice both answers equal 5,041
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 5,041 and divide it by 2:
5,041 ÷ 2 = 2,520.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 2,520.5 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 | 5,041 | |
-1 | -5,041 |
Now, we try dividing 5,041 by 3:
5,041 ÷ 3 = 1,680.3333
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 1,680.3333 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 | 5,041 | |
-1 | -5,041 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
5,041 ÷ 4 = 1,260.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 1,260.25 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 | 5,041 | |
-1 | 5,041 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 71 | 5,041 |
-1 | -71 | -5,041 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator