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.

Hint: 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.