Factorization Calculator – Factor Numbers & Polynomials Instantly
Find prime factors and all factors of any positive integer with step-by-step solutions
Prime Factorization:
- Every integer greater than 1 can be expressed as a product of prime numbers
- Prime numbers have exactly two factors: 1 and itself
- Composite numbers have more than two factors
- 1 is neither prime nor composite
Examples:
- 12 = 2² × 3
- 60 = 2² × 3 × 5
- 100 = 2² × 5²
Factorization Calculator
Break down any number, polynomial, or expression into its simplest factors with our Factorization Calculator. Designed for students, teachers, engineers, and professionals, this powerful tool makes it easy to perform number and algebraic factorizations in seconds — saving you time and ensuring accuracy every time.
What Is Factorization?
Factorization (or factoring) is the process of expressing a number or an algebraic expression as a product of its factors. In other words, it’s about finding which numbers or expressions multiply together to form the original value.
For Numbers:
Factorization breaks a number down into its prime factors — the smallest indivisible numbers that multiply together to form it.
Example:
12 = 2 × 2 × 3 = 2² × 3
For Algebraic Expressions:
Factorization rewrites an expression as the product of simpler polynomials or terms.
Example:
x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)
In both cases, factorization helps simplify calculations, solve equations, and understand relationships between numbers and variables.
Factorization Calculator — Quick, Accurate, and Versatile
Our Factorization Calculator instantly performs factorization for:
- Integers (positive or negative)
- Prime numbers and composites
- Algebraic expressions and polynomials
- Quadratic equations
- Multivariable expressions
It uses advanced symbolic computation to show both step-by-step factorization and final simplified results.
Example Inputs
Input | Factorization | Type |
36 | 2² × 3² | Prime factorization |
45 | 3² × 5 | Prime factorization |
x² + 7x + 10 | (x + 2)(x + 5) | Polynomial factorization |
a² - 9 | (a - 3)(a + 3) | Difference of squares |
x³ - 27 | (x - 3)(x² + 3x + 9) | Cubic factorization |
Types of Factorization
Our calculator supports multiple forms of factorization used in mathematics, from simple numeric decomposition to advanced algebraic techniques.
1. Prime Factorization
Prime factorization expresses a number as a product of prime numbers.
Example:
60 = 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 = 2² × 3 × 5
Prime numbers are numbers greater than 1 that have only two factors — 1 and themselves (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, ...).
Prime factorization is widely used in number theory, cryptography, and data encoding systems.
2. Common Factorization
When two or more terms share a common factor, it can be taken out (factored out).
Example:
6x² + 9x = 3x(2x + 3)
Here, 3x is the greatest common factor (GCF) of both terms.
3. Factoring Quadratic Expressions
Quadratic expressions (ax² + bx + c) can often be factored into two linear binomials.
Example:
x² + 5x + 6 = (x + 2)(x + 3)
Steps:
- Find two numbers that multiply to c and add up to b.
- Write the factors in binomial form.
4. Difference of Squares
When an expression fits the form a² - b², it factors as:
a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)
Example:
x² - 49 = (x + 7)(x - 7)
5. Perfect Square Trinomials
A trinomial like a² + 2ab + b² factors as:
(a + b)²
Example:
x² + 6x + 9 = (x + 3)²
6. Cubic Factorization
Cubic expressions can be factored using special formulas.
Difference of Cubes:
a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)
Example:
x³ - 8 = (x - 2)(x² + 2x + 4)
Sum of Cubes:
a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)
Example:
x³ + 27 = (x + 3)(x² - 3x + 9)
Factorization Formula Summary
Here’s a quick reference for the most common factorization formulas:
Formula Type | Expression | Factored Form |
Common Factor | ax + ay | a(x + y) |
Difference of Squares | a² - b² | (a - b)(a + b) |
Perfect Square Trinomial | a² ± 2ab + b² | (a ± b)² |
Difference of Cubes | a³ - b³ | (a - b)(a² + ab + b²) |
Sum of Cubes | a³ + b³ | (a + b)(a² - ab + b²) |
Quadratic Expression | ax² + bx + c | (px + q)(rx + s) |
Grouping Method | ax + ay + bx + by | (a + b)(x + y) |
Step-by-Step Example Calculations
Example 1: Prime Factorization of 72
Step 1: Divide by smallest prime number (2) repeatedly
72 ÷ 2 = 36
36 ÷ 2 = 18
18 ÷ 2 = 9
Step 2: Switch to next prime (3)
9 ÷ 3 = 3
3 ÷ 3 = 1
Prime factors = 2³ × 3²
Result: 72 = 2³ × 3²
Example 2: Polynomial Factorization
Factor x² + 7x + 10
Step 1: Find two numbers that multiply to 10 and add to 7 → (2, 5)
Step 2: Write as: (x + 2)(x + 5)
Result: x² + 7x + 10 = (x + 2)(x + 5)
Example 3: Difference of Squares
Factor a² - 25
Formula: a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)
Here, b = 5
Result: a² - 25 = (a - 5)(a + 5)
Example 4: Factoring by Grouping
Factor 6x² + 9x + 4x + 6
Group terms: (6x² + 9x) + (4x + 6)
Factor common terms: 3x(2x + 3) + 2(2x + 3)
Combine: (2x + 3)(3x + 2)
Result: (2x + 3)(3x + 2)
Example 5: Cubic Factorization
Factor x³ - 27
Formula: a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)
Here, a = x, b = 3
Result: x³ - 27 = (x - 3)(x² + 3x + 9)
Prime Factorization Table (1–50)
Number | Prime Factorization |
2 | 2 |
3 | 3 |
4 | 2² |
6 | 2 × 3 |
8 | 2³ |
9 | 3² |
10 | 2 × 5 |
12 | 2² × 3 |
15 | 3 × 5 |
18 | 2 × 3² |
20 | 2² × 5 |
24 | 2³ × 3 |
30 | 2 × 3 × 5 |
36 | 2² × 3² |
40 | 2³ × 5 |
45 | 3² × 5 |
48 | 2⁴ × 3 |
49 | 7² |
50 | 2 × 5² |
How to Use the Factorization Calculator
Our tool is designed for maximum simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps:
- Enter the number or expression:
Type any integer, polynomial, or algebraic term. - Select the factorization type:
Choose between prime factorization or algebraic factorization. - Click "Calculate":
Instantly view the factored form with clear step-by-step breakdown. - Analyze or copy your result:
Great for assignments, verification, and deeper understanding. - Try another example:
Reset and explore new inputs easily.
Real-World Applications of Factorization
Factorization is more than a classroom concept it has real and essential uses in many disciplines:
1. Mathematics & Algebra
Simplifies expressions, solves quadratic equations, and reduces rational fractions.
2. Engineering
Used in analyzing systems, signal processing, and control equations.
3. Computer Science
Prime factorization forms the backbone of encryption algorithms like RSA cryptography.
4. Finance & Economics
Helps in modeling polynomial relationships in cost, revenue, and growth analysis.
5. Physics & Chemistry
Used in formula simplification and dimensional analysis.
Why Choose the Digital Calculator Factorization Calculator?
We’ve built the Factorization Calculator to combine intelligence, accuracy, and speed for users of all backgrounds.
Key Features:
- Supports numeric and algebraic factorization.
- Displays step-by-step breakdowns for easy understanding.
- Handles large numbers and complex polynomials.
- Free to use — no registration needed.
- Optimized for all devices — desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Whether you’re verifying homework, solving an equation, or exploring mathematical properties, this tool ensures clear, correct, and concise factorization results every time.Try the Factorization Calculator now — and experience the power of precise digital computation.
Tips for Factoring Effectively
- Always look for a common factor first.
It simplifies the problem instantly. - Recognize special patterns.
Such as difference of squares or perfect squares. - Check your results by expanding back.
Multiplying factors should reproduce the original expression. - Use grouping for four-term polynomials.
It’s one of the most effective algebraic techniques. - For large numbers, use prime division tables.
Divide successively by the smallest primes.