factor

One of the things that helps cause a result or influences a decision.

• Cost is an important factor.
• Poor weather was a major factor in the delay.
• Which factors affect your choice of school?

How to use it: factor in something (Price was a factor in our decision.)

Similar words: influence, element

Common phrases: important factor, risk factor, major factor, key factor

A number that is multiplied by another to give a result, or divides another number exactly.

• Two is a factor of six.
• Find all the factors of twenty.
• These two numbers have a common factor.

How to use it: factor of something (Three is a factor of twelve.)

Similar words: divisor

Common phrases: prime factor, common factor, factor of something

To find the numbers or mathematical parts that multiply together to make a given number or expression.

• Can you factor this number?
• We factored the expression in algebra class.
• Factor eighteen into prime numbers.

How to use it: factor something into something (We factored twelve into two, two, and three.)

Similar words: factorize

Common phrases: factor a number, factor an expression, factor into primes