Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 52,651?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 5265137 x 1423
Negative: -1 x -52651-37 x -1423


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 52,651?

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 52,651, 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 52,651
-1 -52,651

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 52,651.

Example:
1 x 52,651 = 52,651
and
-1 x -52,651 = 52,651
Notice both answers equal 52,651

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 52,651 and divide it by 2:

52,651 ÷ 2 = 26,325.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 26,325.5 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 52,651
-1 -52,651

Now, we try dividing 52,651 by 3:

52,651 ÷ 3 = 17,550.3333

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 17,550.3333 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 52,651
-1 -52,651

Let's try dividing by 4:

52,651 ÷ 4 = 13,162.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,162.75 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 52,651
-1 52,651
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

1371,42352,651
-1-37-1,423-52,651

More Examples

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