Changes

In [[integer]] arithmetic, a '''factor''' is an integer that evenly divides another integer.  For example, 3 is a factor of 24 because 24 divied by 3 does not leave a remainder.  5 is not a factor of 24.

In [[integer]] arithmetic, a '''factor''' is an integer that evenly divides another integer.  For example, 3 is a factor of 24 because 24 divided by 3 does not leave a remainder.  5 is not a factor of 24.

Factors are sometimes called '''divisors''' to distinguish them from '''prime factors'''.  A prime factor is a divisor that is a [[prime number]].  2 and 3 are prime factors of 24.  6 is not a prime factor because it is a [[composite number]].

Factors are sometimes called '''divisors''' to distinguish them from '''prime factors'''.  A prime factor is a divisor that is a [[prime number]].  2 and 3 are prime factors of 24.  6 is not a prime factor because it is a [[composite number]].

The expreesion of an integer as a product of its prime factors is called a '''prime factorization'''.  The prime factorization of 24 is

The expression of an integer as a product of its prime factors is called a '''prime factorization'''.  The prime factorization of 24 is

*24 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 3  

*24 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 3