Factor Calculator — quick guide
1) Core idea
Find all factors of n, its prime factorization, factor pairs, and a simple factor tree. Factors are integers that divide n with no remainder.
2) How this tool works
- All Factors: tests divisors up to √n and mirrors pairs.
- Prime Factorization: repeated division; shows standard and expanded forms.
- Factor Pairs: lists (a, b) with a × b = n and a ≤ b.
- Factor Tree: builds a simple split until primes.
3) Sanity checks
- n = 1 → no prime factorization; factors = {1}.
- n = 13 → prime (factors: 1, 13 only).
- n = 36 → pairs include 6×6 (perfect square).
4) Shortcuts that help
- Stop trial division at √n; add both d and n/d.
- If n = p1^a1 · p2^a2 · … then count of factors = Π(ai+1).
- Use divisibility rules (2,3,5,9,10) for quick pruning.
5) Common pitfalls
- Confusing factors with multiples.
- Forgetting the √n duplicate when n is a perfect square.
- Very large n: this tool caps inputs to keep it responsive.
6) Micro-examples
- 60 → factors: 1,2,3,4,5,6,10,12,15,20,30,60.
- 60 → prime factorization: 2^2 × 3 × 5.
- 60 → factor pairs: (1,60), (2,30), (3,20), (4,15), (5,12), (6,10).
7) Mini-FAQ
- Negative numbers? This tool expects positive integers.
- Zero? Not supported; every integer divides 0.
- Prime check? Reported via PRIME/COMPOSITE badge.
8) Action tip
When n is large, compute prime factorization first—then derive counts, sums, and pairs systematically.