What is factoring?
Factoring is the process of breaking a number or expression down into a product of smaller numbers or simpler expressions that, when multiplied together, give the original value. For example, 12 factors into 3 × 4, and x²+5x+6 factors into (x+2)(x+3). See also our calculate Equation Solver Root 1 (x₁).
How do I factor a quadratic expression like x²+5x+4?
To factor a quadratic of the form x²+bx+c, find two numbers that add up to b and multiply to c. For x²+5x+4, the numbers 1 and 4 add to 5 and multiply to 4, so the factored form is (x+1)(x+4).
What are factor pairs?
Factor pairs are two whole numbers that multiply together to produce the original number. For example, the factor pairs of 12 are (1,12), (2,6), and (3,4). Every factor appears in at least one pair.
Does this calculator handle negative numbers?
Yes. For negative integers, the calculator returns both positive and negative factor pairs. For example, the factor pairs of -6 include (-2, 3) and (2, -3) because multiplying a negative and a positive number gives a negative result. You might also find our calculate Root x₁, Root x₂ & Discriminant (b² − 4ac) — Quadratic Formula useful.
What is the difference between factors and prime factors?
Factors of a number include all whole numbers that divide it evenly, including 1 and the number itself. Prime factors are only the prime numbers in that list — numbers divisible only by 1 and themselves, such as 2, 3, 5, 7. For example, factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 while the prime factors are 2, 2, 3.
How do I enter a polynomial expression?
Type the polynomial using standard notation: use ^ for exponents (e.g. x^2 for x²), * for multiplication, and + or - for addition and subtraction. Examples: x^2+5x+6, 2x^2-8, x^2-9. Switch the Calculation Type to 'Polynomial Factoring' for these expressions.
How many factors can a number have?
A number can have any quantity of factors. Prime numbers have exactly 2 factors (1 and themselves), while highly composite numbers can have many. For instance, 48 has 10 factors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48.