factorization
nounUK /ˌfæktəraɪˈzeɪʃən/
US /ˌfæktərəˈzeɪʃən/
Factorization is breaking a number into smaller numbers that multiply together to make it.
The factorization of 12 is 2 times 2 times 3.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In algebra, writing an expression as a product of simpler expressions.
The factorization of x squared minus 9 is (x minus 3)(x plus 3).
3. The process of finding the factors of a whole number.
We practiced factorization of large numbers in math class.
4. In computing, splitting a large number into prime factors for security purposes.
Encryption often relies on the difficulty of factorization.