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#1 2013-08-16 05:01:57

Al-Allo
Member
Registered: 2012-08-23
Posts: 324

Definition question

Can somebody tell me what are non trivial factors ?

Thanks

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#2 2013-08-16 05:03:53

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Definition question

Hi;

When you factor an integer n it will always have 4 trivial factors (-1,1,-n,n) all the other factors are non trivial.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

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#3 2013-08-16 05:05:39

Al-Allo
Member
Registered: 2012-08-23
Posts: 324

Re: Definition question

Ok, and what is the purpose of it ?

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#4 2013-08-16 05:11:48

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Definition question

Factoring numbers? Which?


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

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#5 2013-08-16 05:34:59

Al-Allo
Member
Registered: 2012-08-23
Posts: 324

Re: Definition question

The trivial and non trivial factors...

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#6 2013-08-16 05:44:12

bobbym
bumpkin
From: Bumpkinland
Registered: 2009-04-12
Posts: 109,606

Re: Definition question

Hi;

For one thing factoring helps reduce fractions. It is a basic skill that comes up in simplification of complicated expressions. Since math began thousands of years ago people have been fascinated by prime numbers. Since composites are not prime and are made up of prime factors the natural question is what are those factors. You find them by factoring.


In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Offline

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