What is Factorization: Definition and 160 Discussions

In mathematics, factorization (or factorisation, see English spelling differences) or factoring consists of writing a number or another mathematical object as a product of several factors, usually smaller or simpler objects of the same kind. For example, 3 × 5 is a factorization of the integer 15, and (x – 2)(x + 2) is a factorization of the polynomial x2 – 4.
Factorization is not usually considered meaningful within number systems possessing division, such as the real or complex numbers, since any



x


{\displaystyle x}
can be trivially written as



(
x
y
)
×
(
1

/

y
)


{\displaystyle (xy)\times (1/y)}
whenever



y


{\displaystyle y}
is not zero. However, a meaningful factorization for a rational number or a rational function can be obtained by writing it in lowest terms and separately factoring its numerator and denominator.
Factorization was first considered by ancient Greek mathematicians in the case of integers. They proved the fundamental theorem of arithmetic, which asserts that every positive integer may be factored into a product of prime numbers, which cannot be further factored into integers greater than 1. Moreover, this factorization is unique up to the order of the factors. Although integer factorization is a sort of inverse to multiplication, it is much more difficult algorithmically, a fact which is exploited in the RSA cryptosystem to implement public-key cryptography.
Polynomial factorization has also been studied for centuries. In elementary algebra, factoring a polynomial reduces the problem of finding its roots to finding the roots of the factors. Polynomials with coefficients in the integers or in a field possess the unique factorization property, a version of the fundamental theorem of arithmetic with prime numbers replaced by irreducible polynomials. In particular, a univariate polynomial with complex coefficients admits a unique (up to ordering) factorization into linear polynomials: this is a version of the fundamental theorem of algebra. In this case, the factorization can be done with root-finding algorithms. The case of polynomials with integer coefficients is fundamental for computer algebra. There are efficient computer algorithms for computing (complete) factorizations within the ring of polynomials with rational number coefficients (see factorization of polynomials).
A commutative ring possessing the unique factorization property is called a unique factorization domain. There are number systems, such as certain rings of algebraic integers, which are not unique factorization domains. However, rings of algebraic integers satisfy the weaker property of Dedekind domains: ideals factor uniquely into prime ideals.
Factorization may also refer to more general decompositions of a mathematical object into the product of smaller or simpler objects. For example, every function may be factored into the composition of a surjective function with an injective function. Matrices possess many kinds of matrix factorizations. For example, every matrix has a unique LUP factorization as a product of a lower triangular matrix L with all diagonal entries equal to one, an upper triangular matrix U, and a permutation matrix P; this is a matrix formulation of Gaussian elimination.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. A

    Prove by the principle of induction

    (expression given to be proven) check for p(1)... 2=2 substitute (n+n) to And here is the problem, I just can't find a way to continue solving this problem
  2. M

    Find the prime factorization of the integers 1234, 10140, and 36000?

    ## 1234=2\cdot 617 ## ## 10140=2\cdot 2\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 13\cdot 13 ## ## 36000=2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 2\cdot 3\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot 5\cdot 5\cdot ## Are the answers above correct? Or do I need to put them in canonical form as below? ## 1234=2\cdot 617 ## ## 10140=2^{2}\cdot 3\cdot 5\cdot...
  3. E

    A The Factorization Theorem in Particle Physics

    I have been tasked with calculating amplitudes of a B meson decaying to a photon and lepton/lepton anti-neutrino pair ,upto one loop and have pretty much never seen this thing before. I will ask my questions along the way as I describe what I am doing. This factorization theorem seems to go thus...
  4. karush

    MHB -c5.LCM and Prime Factorization of A,B,C

    Build the least common multiple of A, B, and C Then write the prime factorization of the least common multiple of A, B, and C. $A = 2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 7 \cdot 13 \cdot 23^8$ $B = 2 3^5 \cdot 5^9 \cdot 13$ $C = 2 \cdot 5 \cdot 11^8 \cdot 13^3$ $\boxed{?}$ ok this only has a single answer...
  5. karush

    MHB -c03 write prime factorization of the LCM of A and B

    Build the least common multiple of A and B a. write the prime factorization of the least common multiple of A and B. $A=2\cdot 3^2\cdot 5\cdot 7^3\cdot 11^3\cdot 13^2$ $B= 3^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 7^2 \cdot 11^2$ $\dfrac{2\cdot \cancel{3^2}\cdot \cancel{5\cdot 7^2} 7\cdot \cancel{11^2} 11\cdot...
  6. K

    I Looking for a creative or quick method for finding roots in GF(p^n)

    I am going to give up a bit more on the given problem. We start with polynomial ## x^27 -x ## over GF(3)[x] and we factorize it using a well known theorem it turns out it factorises into the product of monic polynomials of degree 1 and 3, 11 of them all together. We then choose one of those...
  7. e2m2a

    A Prime Factorization Theorem and Number Systems

    If you go to "The Abel Prize Interview 2016 with Andrew Wiles" on YouTube, there is a statement made by Andrew Wiles beginning at about 4:10 and ending about 4:54 where he mentions there are some new number systems possible where the fundamental theorem of arithmetic does not hold. I don't...
  8. A

    Linear Algebra - LU Factorization

    Hello all, I have a problem related to LU Factorization with my work following it. Would anyone be willing to provide feedback on if my work is a correct approach/answer and help if it needs more work? Thanks in advance. Problem: Work:
  9. karush

    MHB Apc.1.1.13 what is the prime factorization of 30,030

    $\tiny{apc.1.1.13}$ The number 1,001 is the product of the primes 7, 11, and 13 Knowing this, What is the prime factorization of 30,030? a, ${3 \cdot 7\cdot 10\cdot 13}$ b. ${30\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13}$ c. ${2 \cdot 5\cdot 7\cdot 11\cdot 13}$ d. ${3\cdot 7\cdot 10\cdot 11\cdot 13}$ e...
  10. M

    LU Factorization on Ti-89: 3x3 & 4x4 Matrix Solutions

    What's the correct command for finding an LU factorization of a 3x3 and 4x4 matrix on Ti-89 graphing calculator? I'm trying to find the correct answers and verify/check my answers for Linear Algebra problems.
  11. e2m2a

    I Prime factorization and real exponents

    I know that the prime factorization theorem predicts that a prime number raised to an integer power will never be equal to another prime number raised to a different power. But does this apply to real number powers? For example, suppose there is a prime number raised to some real value, could...
  12. S

    I Don't understand proof of uniqueness theorem for polynom factorization

    I don't understand proof of uniqueness theorem for polynomial factorization, as described in Stewart's "Galois Theory", Theorem 3.16, p. 38. "For any subfield K of C, factorization of polynomials over K into irreducible polynomials in unique up to constant factors and the order in which the...
  13. C

    Factoring Combinatorial Functions

    Homework Statement Define {x \choose n}=\frac{x(x-1)(x-2)...(x-n+1)}{n!} for positive integer n. For what values of positive integers n and m is g(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}-{{{x} \choose n} \choose {m}} a factor of f(x)={{{x+1} \choose n} \choose {m}}? Homework Equations The idea...
  14. Math Amateur

    MHB Principal Ideal Domains and Unique Factorization Domains .... Bland - AA - Theorem 7.2.20 .... ....

    I am reading The Basics of Abstract Algebra by Paul E. Bland ... I am focused on Section 7.2 Euclidean, Principal Ideal, Unique Factorization Domains ... ... I need help with the proof of Theorem 7.2.20 ... ... Theorem 7.2.20 and its proof reads as...
  15. opus

    Help in factorization of a third degree polynomial

    Homework Statement Looking to factor ##-2x^3-3## and having an issue. To my understanding, the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra tells us that it is at least theoretically possible to factor any polynomial of degree n. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution So my first step to factor this...
  16. B

    Non-negative matrix factorization code

    Hello, I'm looking for the non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF) source code. I checked several linear algebra libraries (e.g., LaPack, mkl), but it seems that this subroutine is not available. Does anyone know where I can find this source code...
  17. Delta31415

    I Question about the Divisor Function/Sums and Project Euler

    So I am kind of lost... I don't really know how to ask this. Project Euler is a website that hosts multiple programming contests and I am interested in this problem https://projecteuler.net/problem=608 but my question isn't truly about this problem but a more solution. I know that the Divisor...
  18. W

    I Order of "Extracted Factors" in SPSS Factor Analysis

    Hi All, I am doing some FA on SPSS. I entered 9 columns from an Excel file into SPSS. I am just not sure of how the order of the initial columns corresponds to the order of the components that have been extracted; specifically, in the "total Variance Explained" section of the outputs. Would...
  19. F

    Prime factorization proof

    Homework Statement The book wants me to use direct proof. if p is a prime and k is an integer for which 0 < k < p, then p divides ##\left( \frac p k \right)## Homework Equations ##\left( \frac p k \right) = \frac {p!} {k!(p-k)!}## The Attempt at a Solution the fraction line in ##\left( \frac...
  20. itsabdulbasit

    B Prime Factorization of 5-Digit Numbers

    Hi, Can anyone please tell me any easy way of prime factorizing 5-digit composite numbers from 10,000 to 99,999 with little writing or mentally? Thanks.
  21. cathal84

    Factorize Problem Homework: x^3 - 2x^2 -15x +36

    Homework Statement Hello, pretty back to basics with this one. How this came about was I am finding the eigenvalues for a given matrix and after forming the characteristic polynomial of the matrix i get this. x^3 - 2x^2 -15x +36Homework Equations Using the rational root theorem i came to the...
  22. farolero

    Ruby recursive factorization

    mabe someone can help me with this code: i have this code, basically first i factorize for example the number 28 to: [2,2,7] and then i make a list of prime numbers and find the index of each factor in that list, so 2 is prime number with index 0 and 7 prime number with index 2 so it ends up...
  23. anemone

    MHB Can You Successfully Factorize x^2+y^2+z^2-2xy-2yz-2zx?

    Factorize $x^2+y^2+z^2-2xy-2yz-2zx$.
  24. Mr Davis 97

    I Factorization of a matrix equation

    This might be a dumb question, but I am wondering, given the equation ##A\vec{x} - 7\vec{x} = \vec{0}##, the factorization ##(A - 7I)\vec{x} = \vec{0}## is correct rather than the factorization ##(A - 7)\vec{x} = \vec{0}##. It seems that I can discribute just fine to get the equation we had...
  25. I

    MHB Im assuming a factorization problem?

    See attached image.
  26. M

    MHB How to Factorize x^2-y^2-x+y: A Guide for Solving Polynomial Equations

    Factorise x^2-y^2-x+y. Any Ideas on how to begin (Mmm)
  27. J

    I QM - Ladder Operator QHO - factorization

    Hi, quick question with A being the lowering operator and A† the raising operator for a QHO (A A† - 1 + 1/2) ħω [Aψ] = A (A† A - 1 + 1/2) ħω ψ By taking out a factor of A. Why has the ordering of A A† swapped around? I would have thought taking out a factor of A would leave it as A (A† - 1 +...
  28. P

    QR factorization for a 4x4 tridiagonal symmetric matrix

    Homework Statement $$\begin{bmatrix} a_{11} & a_{12} & 0 & 0\\ a_{12} & a_{22} & a_{23} & 0\\ 0 & a_{23} & a_{33} & a_{34} \\ 0 & 0 & a_{34} & a_{44} \\ \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} q_{11} & q_{12} & q_{13} & q_{14} \\ q_{21} & q_{22} & q_{23} & q_{24} \\ q_{31} & q_{32} & q_{33} & q_{34}...
  29. C

    B What Happens to a Cat in a Box Without Factorization?

    In interpretations without natural factorizations, the cat won't just be dead or alive. It won't even be a cat. So let's say the cat is isolated in a box totally shielded from any decoherence from any environment.. and the any factorization between system and environment inside the box is...
  30. D

    Greatest common factor with exponents of first input

    ok so is there a function that exists (for all intents and purposes let's call it G(x,y) )where x= a^2*b^4*c y=a^4*b^2*d G(x,y) = a^2*b^4 basically gcd, but the exponents match those of the common prime factors of the first input (x) ******** equally useful would be a function where the...
  31. D

    Factorization of floor functions of fractions

    hey so if you are taking a floor function of a fraction >1, is there any way to predict anything about it's factorization? what about when the numerator is a factorial and the denominator is made up of factors that divide said factorial but to larger exponents then those that divide the...
  32. C

    MHB LU Factorization - Solve with Carter Barker

    Dear Everyone, I have some trouble with LU-Factorization. The problem work is below: Original Matrix First row- 3,0,1 2nd row- 6,1,1 3rd row- -3,1,0 Elementary Matrix 1 1st- 1,0,0 2nd- 0,1,0 3rd- 0,0,1 Switch R1 to R3 1st- 0,0,1 2nd- 0,1,0 3rd- 1,0,0...
  33. R

    How can I solve this problem about factorization in the IB math SL book?

    It is a problem found on IB math SL book:The two perpendicular sides of a right-angled triangle have lengths x+2 and 5x-3, the hypotenuse has length 4x+1, Find X. In the answer section, it says X is either 2/5 or 3. I tried a lot, -> i arrived to 10x^2 - 18x -12= 0 Later i used quadractic...
  34. Math Amateur

    MHB Unique Factorization of Polynomials Over a Field - Nicholson Theorem 12 - Page 218

    I am reading W. Keith Nicholson's book: Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Third Edition) ... I am focused on Section 4.2:Factorization of Polynomials over a Field. I need some help with the proof of Part 1 of Theorem 12 on page 218 The relevant text from Nicholson's book is as...
  35. Math Amateur

    MHB Factorization of Polynomials Over a Field - Nicholson Example 10, Page 215

    I am reading W. Keith Nicholson's book: Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Third Edition) ... I am focused on Section 4.2:Factorization of Polynomials over a Filed. I need some help with Example 10 on page 215 ... The relevant text from Nicholson's book is as follows:In the above text, we read...
  36. C

    QR Factorization: Show A=LQ, L Triangular & Q Orthogonal

    Homework Statement Consider an invertible n x n matrix A. Can you write A as A=LQ, where L is a lower triangular matrix and Q is orthogonal? Hint: Consider the QR factorization of #A^T#.Homework Equations For QR factorization, Q is orthogonal and R is upper triangular. The Attempt at a...
  37. B

    MHB Integer Factorization: Help with Pollards P-1 & Quadratic Sieve

    hey guys, I wonder if you could help me... i cannot factor the integer 2896753 by pollards p-1 method and the quadratic sieve .
  38. L

    Have you done PA=LU factorization?

    I'm trying to figure out what this quote means and what our strategy is just looking at the matrix what kind of permutations we need to do. Quotes: "The first permutation step is trivial (since the pivot element 10 is already the largest). The corresponding permutation matrix is the identity...
  39. PsychonautQQ

    Unique factorization over fields/rings

    Here is a direct quote from my textbook: If R is a commutative ring, we say that a polynomial d in R[x] is a divisor of f in R[x] if f = qd for some q in F[x]. My question is did they mean to put q in F[x}? q isn't in R[x]? They didn't mention F[x] before this, is F[x] the field of all...
  40. Petek

    MHB Does the Subring Generated by Two UFDs Always Result in a UFD?

    Let $R$ be an integral domain. Suppose that $R_1$ and $R_2$ are proper subrings of $R$ and that both $R_1$ and $R_2$ are unique factorization domains (UFDs). Let $R_3$ be the subring of $R$ that is generated by $R_1$ and $R_2$. Is $R_3$ necessarily a UFD? (The subring generated by two subrings...
  41. J

    MHB Evaluating limit by factorization

    Can anyone tell me how to solve the following limit by factorization method $\lim{{x}\to{5}} \frac{x^3 + 3x^2 - 6x + 2}{ x^3 + 3x^2 - 3x - 1}$?Please tell me how to factorize such big equation?
  42. R

    MHB Learn Step-By-Step Factorization with New Equations

    Hi, I am new to factorization. Would someone please solve these two equations and explain step by step what was done. thanks1. (x-y)^2 - (x-z)^2 = 2. (5x+2)^2 - (3x-4)^2 =
  43. L

    Trouble setting up to prove unique factorization

    This lemma the book states, I can't make sense of it. Lemma: If a,b\in Z and b > 0, there exist q,r \in Z such that a = qb + r with 0 \leq r < b. Proof: Consider the set of all integers of the form a-xb with x \in Z. This set includes positive elements. Let r = a - qb be the least...
  44. Math Amateur

    MHB Rotman - Theorem 2.60 - Unique Factorization

    I am reading Chapter 2: Commutative Rings in Joseph Rotman's book, Advanced Modern Algebra (Second Edition). I am currently focussed on Theorem 2.60 (Unique Factorization) [pages 111 - 112]. I need help to understand Rotman's use of induction (or his induction strategy) in the proof of Theorem...
  45. matqkks

    Can Factorization of Integers Motivate Students in a First Number Theory Course?

    Why is factorization of integers important on a first number theory course? Where is factorization used in real life? Are there examples which have a real impact? I am looking for examples which will motivate students.
  46. matqkks

    MHB Factorization of integers

    Why is factorization of integers important? What are the real life applications of factorization? Are there are examples which have a real impact.
  47. anemone

    MHB Factorization of an expression

    Factorize the expression $(1+a+\cdots+a^n)^2-a^n$.
  48. B

    MHB Unraveling the Complexities of Factorization in Multivariable Polynomials

    factor $\displaystyle 24x^4y^2+28xy^3+30x^5y^2-72xy-6x^5+35x^2y^3-18x^6y-32x^3y+33x^3y^2+63y^3+10x^4y+24x^4-14x^2y$ i have no idea where to start please help me.
  49. Y

    Multiplication bloards after factorization

    Let a positive definite matrix A be factorized to P and Q, A=P*Q and let an arbitrary matrix B. I am calculating the relative error of the factorization through the norm: \epsilon = \left\| \textbf{A}-\textbf{PQ} \right\| / \left\| \textbf{A} \right\| which gives \epsilon <1\text{e}-16 so I...
  50. C

    Prime Factorization (Arithmetic)

    Homework Statement Assume n = p_1*p_2*p_3*...*p_r = q_1*q_2*q_3*...*q_s, where the p's and q's are primes. We can assume that none of the p's are equal to any of the q's. Why? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I am completely stuck on this. My understanding of the...
Back
Top