What is factoring in math? Definition and examples

Factoring, also called factorization, is the process of rewriting a number, a numerical expression, an algebraic expression, or any other math expression as the product of its factors.

Examples of factoring in math

1. The number 48 can be factored or written as the product of 8 and 6

48 = 8 × 6

2. The numerical expression 48 + 24 can be factored or written as the product of 4 and (12 + 6)

48 + 24 = 4 × (12 + 6) = 4 × 18

3. The algebraic expression 4x² + 20x can be factored or written as the product of 4x and (x + 5)

4x² + 20x  = 4x(x + 5)