Factor Command

Factor( <Polynomial> )

Factors the polynomial.

Example:

Factor(x^2 + x - 6) yields (x - 2) (x + 3).

Note: This command needs to load the Computer Algebra System, so can be slow on some computers.

CAS Syntax

In the CAS View you can also use the following syntax:

Factor( <Number> )

Expresses a number in its prime factorization

Example:

Factor(360) yields 2³ 3² 5.

Factor( <Expression>, <Variable> )

Factors an expression with respect to a given variable.

Example:

• Factor(x^2 - y^2, x) yields (x - y) (x + y), the factorization of x² - y² with respect to x,
• Factor(x^2 - y^2, y) yields -(y - x) (y + x), the factorization of x² - y² with respect to y.

Note: This command factors expressions over the Rational Numbers. To factor over irrational real numbers, see the IFactor Command. To factor over complex numbers, see the CFactor Command and CIFactor Command.