The idea of "factoring" can be applied many ways. Your question does not define a context, so I will give a few examples.
We factor integers into
- pairs of factors (12 = 1*12 = 2*6 = 3*4)
- prime factors. (12 = 2^2*3)
We factor polynomials into linear and quadratic terms, or into a product of terms involving roots.
X^3 + x^2 + 2x + 2 = (x+1)(x^2+2) = (x+1)(x-I√2)(x+I√2)
Matrices and other mathematical forms can be factored a variety of ways for a variety of purposes.
Before we agree to a contract, we factor into our decision our ability to deliver and the associated penalties if we don't.
There are other types of factoring as well.
We factor integers into
- pairs of factors (12 = 1*12 = 2*6 = 3*4)
- prime factors. (12 = 2^2*3)
We factor polynomials into linear and quadratic terms, or into a product of terms involving roots.
X^3 + x^2 + 2x + 2 = (x+1)(x^2+2) = (x+1)(x-I√2)(x+I√2)
Matrices and other mathematical forms can be factored a variety of ways for a variety of purposes.
Before we agree to a contract, we factor into our decision our ability to deliver and the associated penalties if we don't.
There are other types of factoring as well.
