Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 54,875?

 A:
Positive:   1 x 548755 x 1097525 x 2195125 x 439
Negative: -1 x -54875-5 x -10975-25 x -2195-125 x -439


How do I find the factor combinations of the number 54,875?

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 54,875, 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 54,875
-1 -54,875

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 54,875.

Example:
1 x 54,875 = 54,875
and
-1 x -54,875 = 54,875
Notice both answers equal 54,875

With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 54,875 and divide it by 2:

54,875 ÷ 2 = 27,437.5

If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 27,437.5 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 54,875
-1 -54,875

Now, we try dividing 54,875 by 3:

54,875 ÷ 3 = 18,291.6667

If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 18,291.6667 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 54,875
-1 -54,875

Let's try dividing by 4:

54,875 ÷ 4 = 13,718.75

If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 13,718.75 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 54,875
-1 54,875
Keep dividing by the next highest number until you cannot divide anymore.

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

15251254392,19510,97554,875
-1-5-25-125-439-2,195-10,975-54,875

More Examples

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