factor

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablemathematics

   A whole number that divides another whole number exactly, or a number multiplied to make a product.

   Grammar: Usually plural in phrases such as the factors of 12; each factor divides exactly.

   Patterns

   • factor of a number
   • common factor
   • prime factor

   The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12.

   Seven is a factor of 28 because 7 × 4 = 28.

   Students listed the prime factors before simplifying the fraction.

2. 2nouncountable

   One of the things that helps cause or influence a result, situation, or decision.

   Grammar: Used with in or into for influence: cost is a factor in the decision.

   Patterns

   • important factor
   • factor in a decision
   • factor into something

   Weather was a major factor in the delay.

   Experience is only one factor among several in hiring.

   Did price factor into your choice of apartment?

Word forms

Common combinations

key factor

Trust is a key factor in any working relationship.

major factor

Lack of sleep was a major factor in her poor concentration.

common factor

Four is a common factor of eight and twelve.

factor into

Long commutes factor into many families' housing decisions.

Synonyms and how they differ

element

Element is a neutral part of a situation; factor stresses influence on a result.

cause

Cause points more directly to production of an effect; factor may be only one contributor.

ingredient

Ingredient suggests a needed part in a mix or recipe; factor is broader and often numerical.

Opposites

Word family

factorial noun

The product of a number and all positive whole numbers below it.

factorization noun

The process of breaking a number into factors.

factorize verb

To express a number as a product of factors.

Commonly confused: factor or multiple?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “factor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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