factoring algorithm
nounUK /ˈfæk.tər.ɪŋ ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm/
US /ˈfæk.tər.ɪŋ ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm/
A factoring algorithm is a set of steps a computer follows to break a number into smaller numbers that multiply together to make it.
The factoring algorithm quickly found that 91 is 7 times 13.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A procedure used in cryptography to test how hard a number is to break apart.
The security of the code depends on how slow the factoring algorithm is.
3. A math routine that lists all the numbers that divide evenly into a given number.
She ran a factoring algorithm to list every divisor of 120.
4. A step-by-step method for simplifying algebraic expressions into multiplied parts.
The factoring algorithm turned x² − 9 into (x − 3)(x + 3).