factorize, v.
(ˈfæktəraɪz)
[f. as factorial a.1 + -ize.]
1. trans. (U.S. Law.) In Vermont and Connecticut, = garnish.
| 1864 in Webster. 1878 [see factor n. 5 c.]. |
2. Math. a. To break up (a quantity) into factors.
| 1886 G. Chrystal Algebra I. vii. 133 The decomposition of x2 + y2 + xy = (x + y + √xy ) (x + y - √xy ), which is often given by beginners when they are asked to factorise x2 + y2 + xy..is no solution of the problem of factorisation in the ordinary sense, inasmuch as the two factors contain √xy , and are therefore not rational integral functions of x and y. 1923 E. H. Chapman Elem. Algebra xiii. 103 When we attempt to factorize an algebraic expression, we regard it as a product, and try to undo the multiplication. 1967 W. P. Eames Elem. Theory Numbers iv. 117 Since f is a product of polynomials which can be factorized, f can also be factorized. |
b. intr. To be capable of being factorized.
| 1914 A. G. Cracknell School Algebra xv. 199 Thus 3y(2x + a) - b(2y + c) does not factorise. 1939 Godfrey & Tait School Algebra viii. 100 Quadratic equations will not always factorize. |