In the UK, factorizing. The process of reducing a number or expression to its basic elements (factors).
For example, the factors of number 45
are the prime numbers 3 * 3 * 5
.
To factor an expression is to rewrite it using simpler expressions, multiplied. For example, the expression
2y+6
when factored becomes
2(y+3)
.
See also Matrix Factorization.
References:
- O’Neil, Cathy. “Weapons of Math Destruction”. Penguin Books. 2016
- Pierce, Rod. “Math is Fun – Maths Resources” Math Is Fun. Ed. Rod Pierce. 18 Apr 2017. 19 Aug 2017 https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/factoring.html