Factor
Find all factors of a number
How to use Factor
- 1Enter a positive integer you want to factor.
- 2Run the calculator to list all factors or prime factors.
- 3Read the factor pairs and, for prime factorization, the exponent form.
Finding factors of a number
if n mod d = 0 then d is a factor; prime factors: n = p1^a1 × p2^a2 × ...A factor divides a number with no remainder; the calculator tests divisors up to the square root to find them efficiently.
Prime factorization rewrites the number as a product of primes, which is the basis for GCD, LCM and simplifying fractions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between factors and prime factors?
Factors include composites like 6; prime factors are only the irreducible primes such as 2 and 3.
Does 1 count as a factor?
Yes, 1 and the number itself are always factors, but neither is prime.
Why stop at the square root?
Any factor larger than √n pairs with one smaller than √n, so testing beyond is redundant.