prime factor

Definitions

1. A factor of a given integer which is also a prime number.
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see prime, factor.

Equivalents

Examples

“Hence, the prime factors of 100 are 1, 2, 2, 5, 5, and 1 × 2 × 2 × 5 × 5 = 100. From the above illustration, we derive the following rule⟳ for finding all the prime factors of any composite number⟳.”

“Theorem 5.5 Dickman's Theorem. The probability of a number⟳ N chosen at random having a prime factor between N#92;alpha and N#123;#92;alpha(1#43;#92;delta)#125; is approximately #61;#92;delta, independent of the magnitude of #92;alpha, if #92;delta is small.”

“If any subset of the set⟳ of prime factors of a be taken, then the product of the elements of this subset is a factor of a. For example, 12 is a factor of 60 and the set⟳ of prime factors of 12 is {2, 2, 3}, which is a subset of {2, 2, 3, 5}, which is the set⟳ of prime factors of 60.”

“It became apparent to me that Mr. Genthner's open⟳ profession of being gay was the prime factor in his conviction and sentencing.”

CEFR level