What is Factoring: Definition and 338 Discussions

Factoring is a financial transaction and a type of debtor finance in which a business sells its accounts receivable (i.e., invoices) to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. A business will sometimes factor its receivable assets to meet its present and immediate cash needs. Forfaiting is a factoring arrangement used in international trade finance by exporters who wish to sell their receivables to a forfaiter. Factoring is commonly referred to as accounts receivable factoring, invoice factoring, and sometimes accounts receivable financing. Accounts receivable financing is a term more accurately used to describe a form of asset based lending against accounts receivable. The Commercial Finance Association is the leading trade association of the asset-based lending and factoring industries.In the United States, Factoring is not the same as invoice discounting (which is called an assignment of accounts receivable in American accounting – as propagated by FASB within GAAP). Factoring is the sale of receivables, whereas invoice discounting ("assignment of accounts receivable" in American accounting) is a borrowing that involves the use of the accounts receivable assets as collateral for the loan. However, in some other markets, such as the UK, invoice discounting is considered to be a form of factoring, involving the "assignment of receivables", that is included in official factoring statistics. It is therefore also not considered to be borrowing in the UK. In the UK the arrangement is usually confidential in that the debtor is not notified of the assignment of the receivable and the seller of the receivable collects the debt on behalf of the factor. In the UK, the main difference between factoring and invoice discounting is confidentiality. Scottish law differs from that of the rest of the UK, in that notification to the account debtor is required for the assignment to take place. The Scottish Law Commission is reviewing this position and seeks to propose reform by the end of 2017.

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  1. O

    Higher-Order DE Factoring: Can You Help Me Factor This Differential Equation?

    Hi, Can somebody please help me to factor the following DE? 2\frac{d^5y}{dx^5} -7\frac{d^4y}{dx^4} + 12\frac{d^3y}{dx^3} + 8\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = 0 The auxiliary equation of above DE is 2m^5 - 7m^4 + 12m^3 + 8m^2 = 0 m^2(2m^3-7m^2 + 12m + 8) = 0 The equation of 2m^3-7m^2+12m+8...
  2. D

    Solve inequality by factoring help

    x^2 + 8x + 15 > 0 solve inequality (X+5)(X+3)>0 x+5>0 x>-5 X+3>0 x>-3 Why is the equality for X+5>0 x<-5 ? as the answers give?
  3. Holocene

    Factoring negative quantity from algebraic expression?

    Factoring negative quantity from algebraic expression? Why is this wrong? \displaystyle{28xy^2 - 14x = -14x(-2y^2 + 1)} The book instead does this: \displaystyle{28xy^2 - 14x = -7x(-4y^2 + 2)}
  4. S

    Factoring problem - is it an iteration or more obvious?

    Homework Statement A part of a problem is to factor 8 - b^3 "8 minus b cubed" Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I see that the problem is 2^3 - b^3. I don't see the next step I know the answer is (2-b)(4+2b+b^2). but I can't get there. Is this just...
  5. Peeter

    Factoring a wedge product into vectors? (geometric algebra)

    Anybody know a good approach to factor a wedge product (blade) into a set of vectors? Loosely, I'd describe the prodlem as finding a basis for the hypervolume that the wedge product "spans". Example to illustrate the question, taking a grade 2 blade, suppose one had something like: A =...
  6. B

    Help factoring x^2-x+1/x+1 -1/2

    Homework Statement x^2-x+1/x+1 -1/2 Homework Equations need help factoring this The Attempt at a Solution A common denominator would be 2(x+1) but that does not change my numerator
  7. O

    Can Streamlining Algebraic Manipulations Accelerate Factoring Techniques?

    Homework Statement t[\frac{1}{2} (4- t)^\frac{-1}{2}(-1)] + (4 - t)^\frac{1}{2} The way I'd do it is \frac{-t}{2(4-t)^\frac{1}{2}} + \frac{\sqrt{4-t}}{1}} Get it over a common denominator \frac{-t+\sqrt{4-t}*2\sqrt{4-t}}{2(4-t)^\frac{1}{2}} simplify: \frac{-t +...
  8. J

    Fortran How can I improve my Fortran program to factor numbers?

    Got to write a program that factors a given number(>1) Here is what I have: program Factors implicit none real::n, i print*, "enter a number:" read*, n i=2 do while (n>1) if (mod(n, i)==0) then i=i+1 n=n/i else write (*,*) ' X= ', X end if end do end program...
  9. A

    Factoring Homework: Problems and Solutions

    Homework Statement I had a topic somewhere about factoring, and now I have some more factoring problems I don't understand. such as: 1)(x-1)^{3} - (x+2)^{3} 2)64x^{3} - 27y^{3} 3)3ab - 20cd -15ac + 4bd Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  10. S

    Solve Higher Order DE: Factoring to Find General Solution

    When trying to solve a higher order differential equation, how can I factor it to find the general solution. A question like :y^{(4)}-4y^{(3)}+6y^{(2)}-4y^{(1)}+y=0. So I can write this as:m^4-4m^3+6m^2-4y^1=0. How can I factor m? The prof mentioned something about Pascal's Triangle, but I'm...
  11. A

    Factor problems help | Not allowed to use graphing calculators

    For some of these we can not factor exactly, so we must be as exact as we can, I kind of understand how to do it, but these are some problems that confused me a bit. We're not allowed to use graphing calculators for these by the way. Homework Statement 1)1-3x^{2}=2x^{3}...
  12. T

    Factoring Cubic Polynomials: A Confused Student's Guide

    Well, I admit, I looked at the solution manual. They apparently solved this equation, x(cubed)-(3/4)x-(1/4)=0 by factoring it and making it look like this, (x-1)(( x+(1/2))squared. But they didn't show any steps. I'm completely confused. I have no idea how to factor cubic polynomials.
  13. G

    Simple factoring that i can't do

    I need to solve for T1. the problem is a tension problem with a chandelier, but i have found all the equations to solve for the T1. I solve for T1 but the computer says its wrong. here are the equations and my answer. please help (T1*cos(x1))/cos(x2) = (mg - T1*sin(x1))/sin(x2) i keep...
  14. E

    Factoring Numbers: Tricks to Solve 1000...0001 Forms

    [SOLVED] factoring a number Homework Statement Is there a trick to factoring numbers of the form 1000...0001? For example, how would you get 10001=73*137 without a calculator? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  15. D

    Factoring f(x)=x^3+x to Find x-Axis Intersection

    Ive got a function of f(x)=x^3+x and I need to use factors to show that the graph crosses the x-axis once only. I just factorised it to x(x^2+1) which isn't very helpful, and if i divide everything by x and complete the square with x^2+1 i get a negative number and stuff... any help?
  16. N

    What are some helpful factoring formulas to use for polynomials?

    I don't really have a book to go by, and am going through examples online. I'm finding that there are certain helpful formulas. Does anyone know of a collection of formulas that I can use. For example, the difference of cubes: A^3 - B^3 = (A - B) (A^2 + AB + B^2) It would be handy to...
  17. B

    How Do You Factor a Cubic Equation Like a³c - a³b + b³a - b³c + c³b - c³a?

    Factorising cubic equation Anyone here know how to factor this equation? Homework Statement a^{3}c-a^{3}b+b^{3}a-b^{3}c+c^{3}b-c^{3}a The Attempt at a Solution I tried factoring by grouping but ended up getting nowhere. If anyone can factor this equation, please tell me step by...
  18. E

    The limit of a factoring algorithm

    Hi Ho! It is easy to observe that to get all factors of an integer n, one does not need to try whether a divides n for 1 < a < n. But, rather using the following observation: Suppose n is 24, then 24 / 1 = 24 24 / 2 = 12 24 / 3 = 8 24 / 4 = 6 -------------(!) 24 / 6 = 4 24 / 8...
  19. moe darklight

    How do I factor 16x^4 - x^2y^2 + y^4?

    [SOLVED] reviewing pre... factoring Homework Statement I bought a Schaum's with Precalculus questions; figured I'd review my pre. I'm not as rusty as I thought I'd be... but I'm screwing up this question for some reason: 16x^{4}-x^{2}y^{2}+y^{4} The Attempt at a Solution 4x^{2}-xy+y^{2}...
  20. G

    How Do You Factor the Polynomial in the Derivative of f(x) = (x^3 - 2x)e^x?

    Homework Statement I need to find the critical points of f(x) = (x^3 - 2x)e^x I found the derivative, and set it equal to zero ended up with e^x (x^3 +3x^2 -2x -2) = 0 I am having trouble factoring the second factor, any suggestions?
  21. E

    Factoring 1001 by Hand: A Simple Guide

    Homework Statement Is there any simple way to factor 1001=7*11*13 by hand? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  22. G

    Definition of deriviative, factoring problem

    Homework Statement use definition of derivitiave to find f'(c) EXACTLY x3 - 4x2 + x + 8, c=1 Homework Equations lim x->c f(x)-f(c) / x-c The Attempt at a Solution I got as far as (x3 - 4x2 +x + 2) - 6 / x-1 Plugging in 1 for x gives me divided by zero. The teacher's example...
  23. tony873004

    How does the fraction x^2/(x^2-1) simplify to 1 + 1/(x^2-1)?

    This is a small step in a larger Calc problem. There's 2 problems in a row where this same arrangement popped up. I have a feeling I'm forgetting something basic. How does {\frac{{x^2 }}{{x^2 - 1}}} become 1 + \frac{1}{{x^2 - 1}} ?
  24. A

    Factoring Problem a^2 - b^2 + 2bc - c^2

    [SOLVED] Factoring problem Homework Statement Factorize the following: a^2 - b^2 + 2bc - c^2 The attempt at a solution I know this should be a fairly simple problem, but my brain must be fried or something, I can't seem to come up with anything... There are no factors common to all terms, and...
  25. michael879

    Why is the brute force factoring algorithm exponential time?

    ok so I thought of this factoring algorithm, and I did some quick analysis on it (attached picture, time is in seconds * 5). It appears to be polynomial. However, when I see the basic brute force factoring algorithm I think that's also polynomial. So before I get excited over nothing. Can...
  26. B

    Factoring Polynomials in Z_p: Finding Degree 'd

    help me its so hard working in the finite field Z_p show that the all the factors of polynomial x^{p^n}-x have degree "d" such that d|n. thanx
  27. D

    Factoring is important in mathematics

    Hi, Factoring is important in mathematics so I should know how to factor things. But I don't see how one should factor something! I have looked all over the web but I still don't get it. Could someone show me how factoring works? I would appreciate it. Thank you.
  28. P

    Is factoring just random trial and error?

    Homework Statement How does one know x^4+x^2+1=(x^2-x+1)(x^2+x+1)? How does one get to that step? I can find the roots of x but that doesn't seem to help. Is it be random trial and error?
  29. G

    Are There Any Unique Methods for Factoring Polynomials?

    Hey everyone, I was looking at another thread about factoring polynomials, and now I'm wondering if anyone knows any unusual or cool ways to factor them (i.e. not using numerical techniques such as Newton's Method). Unfortunately the only one I do know is the rational root theorem...
  30. M

    Factoring POlynomials and finding Zeros

    factoring===================== 1. 16x^3 - 54 This one, I've broken it to 2(2^3 x^3 - 3^2) but it's still wrong! I don't get how much further it can be broken down! 2. 3x^4 - 48 This one.. I've gotten far as 3x^2 (x^2 - 4x + 4) ! Still wrong. ============================= Zeros... dang it I'm...
  31. M

    How can factoring help solve limit problems involving radicals?

    Homework Statement This question is concerning a limit question. I have no problems finding limits but i need to be able to factor this equation. I need to be able to some how get rid of the (x-1) (x^(1/6)-1)/(x-1) The Attempt at a Solution I ust keep ending up in a loop geting a...
  32. R

    Factoring 28s^2 + 8st - 20t^2: A Simplified Explanation and Solution

    Homework Statement 28s^2 + 8st - 20t^2 The answer in the back of the book is 4(7s - 5t)(s + t) 2. The attempt at a solution 4(7s^2 + st + st - 5t^2) 4(7s^2 + st + st - 20t^2) 4(s(7s + t) + t(s - 20t)) I'm lost, can someone please help me? Thanks in advance.
  33. T

    Factoring operator and fundamental theorem of algebra

    I haven't taken any abstract algebra course so I do not know if this is the right section to post this question in. Anyway, I am learning differential equation right now and my prof. recently showed factorization of differential operator. For example, let D be the differential operator, he...
  34. Holocene

    Solving Fraction Addition with Denominators 33 and 48: Finding the LCD

    In adding fractions with denominators of 33 and 48, the LCD is 240. I don't understand any easy way to arrive at this number. 33 factors out to be : 3 * 11 48 factors out to be: 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 * 3 But from these numbers, none will yeild a product of 240. What am I doing wrong?
  35. R

    Mastering Factoring: How to Factor (x+3)^3 with Ease

    how to factor (x+3)^3 maybe foil after factoring? thanks for any help.
  36. A

    Finding the Root of a Quadratic Equation with Factoring Difficulty

    Homework Statement Objects with masses of 200kg and 500kg are separated by 0.4m a)Find the net gravitational force exerted by these objects on a 50kg object placed midway between them. b) At what position (other than infinitely remote ones) can the 50 kg object be placed so as to experience a...
  37. R

    My mind has gone fallow, and I can't quite understand factoring

    My mind has gone fallow, and I can't quite understand factoring a number into two coprime numbers. What happens if the number of divisors is odd?
  38. S

    Factoring 27x^9y^3-8z^6: A Guide

    This is an incredibly stupid question, but how do you factor something like: 27x^9y^3-8z^6 I'm thinking somewhere along the lines of finding the cube root but that doesn't sound right. Any ideas on how to help me factor this? I don't need an answer, just how to do it. Sorry if this is...
  39. N

    Factoring Imaginary Numbers in a 2x1 Matrix: Solving the Physics Problem

    This is a physics problem but I am having trouble factoring this matrix. Basically, there shouldn't be anything left inside the matrix except 0's, 1's, or i's (any of which can be negative). This seems like such an easy problem but I cannot find something that works. Any ideas? \frac {1}...
  40. S

    Factoring trigonometric equation

    Hi, I'm having trouble understanding how my math book factored the following equation. [(cos(t)sin(t) - (1 + sin(t))cos(t)) / (cos(t)cos(t) - (1 + sin(t))sin(t))] to get [(cos(t)(1+2sin(t))) / ((1 + sin(t)) (1 - 2sin(t)))] I get the numerator but I don't understand what happened...
  41. R

    Solve Sin(^6)x + Cos(^6)x Factoring Problem

    How do I factor sin(^6)x + cos(^6)x?
  42. DaveC426913

    How can I find the values of b and c in a trinomial using factoring?

    I'm helping edit a math textbook and have been asked to provide the answer for this: Factor to find the value of b and c in the trinomial: -0.5x2 + x -1= -0.5 (x2 - bx + c) Here is what I've done: -0.5x^2 + x -1= -0.5 (x^2 - bx + c) -0.5x^2 + x -1= x^2 + .5bx - .5c -0.5x^2 + x -1=...
  43. mbrmbrg

    Solving Polynomials: Factoring x^3-2x^2-x+2

    I'm going over some math work, and ran across the following: \frac{2x^2-5x-1}{x^3-2x^2-x+2}=\frac{A}{x-1}+\frac{B}{x+1}+\frac{C}{x-2} How do you get x^3-2x-x+2=(x-1)(x+1)(x-2)?
  44. C

    Who Discovered Factoring and Its Origins?

    Anybody know who first discovered the factoring? When and where too... Such an useful technique I would like to know :)
  45. N

    Why do we count 0 twice when factoring a polynomial for differential equations?

    Well, strange in my opinion, hah. This is actually for my differential equations class...but I figure it's stuff that I should've already learned. Now for something that we are doing, the number of roots are important. So upon factoring something like (m^4 - 2m^2), it goes to m^2(m^2 -...
  46. D

    Factoring Problem: Solving x(xsquared-1)(xsquared-1)=0

    Hi I have been working on this factoring problem for a while and don't understand how to get the answer. The question is: x(xsquared-1)(xsquared-1)=0 The answer that is in the back of the book is x=0,1 but i don't understand how you can get these answers by using the root of 1...
  47. C

    Factoring with the quadratic formula

    I have a huge headache and I can't understand why this works... I am reviewing the quadratic formula so that I can solve trig questions, but I am stuck on this one part... The point is to factor x^2+2x-1 I ( and the textbook ) use the quadratic formula to get the roots of it and come up...
  48. R

    Factor Theorem: Solving a^5-32

    Simple Factoring Problem How do I factor a^5-32? It isn't a difference of cubes or even a difference of squares :( By the way, we're currently learning the factor theorem.
  49. R

    Factoring - Can this be reduces

    Is there anyway that I can REDUCE this any further: (N^N)(N!)(N^2 - N)! (N^2)! This equation comes from (N^N)/(N^2 Choose N)
  50. Q

    Where is the error in this basic factoring problem?

    I know this must be a basic factoring question but I don't get it. Somewhere in the solution below there is an error which leads to an end result of 1 = 2. I'm supposed to find where the error lies. The factoring looks right. I think the error is in line three. you can only multiply or...
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