Factorising is a term used in mathematics to describe the process of breaking down a mathematical expression into smaller factors. The correct spelling of the word is /fæk.tə.raɪz.ɪŋ/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "or" in the middle of the word is pronounced as a schwa sound, represented by the symbol /ə/. The suffix "-ise" is used in British English spellings, while in American English, the spelling would be "factorizing" with a "z" instead of an "s".
Factorising is a mathematical process of breaking down an expression, equation, or polynomial into a set of factors that can be multiplied together to recreate the original expression. It is also known as factoring or factorization.
In factorising, one aims to find the prime factors of a given expression, which are the irreducible elements that cannot be further simplified. By identifying and extracting these prime factors, the expression can be simplified or solved more easily, aiding in further calculations or analysis.
Factorising can be applied to various mathematical concepts such as numbers, polynomials, algebraic expressions, or quadratic equations. It is a fundamental technique used in algebra and often serves as a crucial step in solving equations or finding roots.
The process of factorising involves identifying common factors, such as common terms or patterns, and then dividing the expression accordingly. This allows for the rearrangement of terms and simplifying the overall expression. The result of factorising is a set of factors that, when multiplied together, reproduce the original expression.
Overall, factorising is an essential tool in mathematics for simplifying and understanding complex expressions and equations, allowing for further analysis and problem-solving. It helps to unveil the underlying structure of an expression, revealing its constituent parts and facilitating calculations.
The word "factorising" is derived from the word "factorize", which originated from the Latin word "factor" meaning "doer, maker" or "he who does" or "he who makes". The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek suffix "-izein", which means "to make" or "to become". Hence, "factorize" means "to make or become a factor". When "-ing" is added to the word "factorize", it forms the present participle form "factorising", indicating the ongoing action of factorization.