Math Is Fun Forum
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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.
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