Factorization · 3 min read
Concept of Terms & Factors
Listen to this lesson
A calm voice reads the lesson aloud
Tap any word for its meaning, or to have that part explained further.
Concept of Terms and Factors
To understand this topic very well, we must first know the meaning of Term and Factor.
Term
A term is like a single block in a building that you add or remove to change the size.
Term: This is the value, number, or variable(s) which is to be added or subtracted ('subtracting' means adding a negative number).
Think of a term as any part of a math sentence separated by a plus or minus sign.
Factor
A factor is a number or letter that we use to multiply another thing to get a result.
Factor: A factor is a value, or number, or variable(s) that is to be multiplied.
In simple language, factors are the things we multiply together.
Formulas for Terms and Factors
Sum = term + term
Product = factor x factor
For Example
Look at this expression: a = 3 (5b - 7)
In this example, 3 and (5b - 7) are two things we multiply together to get the answer 'a'.
Therefore, 3 and (5b - 7) in the above formula are factors which are multiplied to get the product 'a'.
Inside the bracket, we have 5b and 7, which are separated by a minus sign.
5b - 7 is a term which is added. 3 and (5b - 7) are the factors which are multiplied.
Key points
- •A 'term' is a value, number, or variable(s) that is to be added or subtracted in an expression.
- •A 'factor' is a value, number, or variable(s) that is to be multiplied in an expression.
- •A sum is formed by adding terms (e.g., term + term).
- •A product is formed by multiplying factors (e.g., factor x factor).