factor

/'fæktə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
factor

A scientist studies a genetic factor in a laboratory.

Definition

  1. Noun:

    • A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome: A "factor" is an element that actively helps cause or bring about a particular effect.
    • A number or quantity that when multiplied with another produces a given number or expression: In mathematics, a "factor" is a whole number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression exactly, without leaving a remainder.
    • A business agent or intermediary: A "factor" is a person or company that acts on behalf of another, especially by buying and selling goods for a commission.
    • (Biology) A gene or genetic element: In genetics, a "factor" is a unit of heredity, such as a gene, that determines a particular characteristic.

  2. Verb:

    • To include something as a relevant element when making a calculation or decision: To "factor" means to take something into account as an important variable.
    • (Mathematics) To resolve an integer or expression into its constituent factors: To "factor" is to break down a number or algebraic expression into a product of simpler numbers or expressions.
Examples of Usage

  • Noun:

    • Cost was a major factor in our decision to move. (A key influencing element)
    • 3 and 2 are factors of 6. (Mathematical divisors)
    • The company employs a factor to handle its overseas sales. (A business agent)
    • The genetic factor for eye color is inherited. (A hereditary unit)

  • Verb:

    • You must factor travel time into your schedule. (To include as a consideration)
    • Students learn to factor quadratic equations in algebra. (To break into mathematical components)
Advanced Usage
  • "To factor in": To include something as a relevant part of a decision or calculation.
    • We need to factor in the possibility of bad weather.
  • "To factor out": (Mathematics) To remove a common factor from terms in an expression.
    • You can factor out the number 3 from the expression 3x + 6.
Variants and Related Words
  • Factorial (n): In mathematics, the product of an integer and all the integers below it (e.g., 5 factorial, written as 5!, is 5×4×3×2×1 = 120).
  • Factorization (n): The process of breaking down a number or expression into its factors.
  • Factorable (adj): Capable of being factored.
Synonyms
  • Noun (as influence): Element, component, determinant, contributor.
  • Noun (in math): Divisor.
  • Verb (to consider): Consider, incorporate, account for.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Factor in: To include something in an assessment.
    • Be sure to factor in maintenance costs when buying a car.
  • Factor into: To be a contributing part of something.
    • Employee morale factors into overall productivity.
Related Idioms
  • "The X factor": An unknown or intangible quality that has a significant effect.
    • The team has skill, but they lack that special X factor needed to win the championship.
  • "A deciding/decisive factor": The element that most strongly influences the final outcome.
    • His experience was the deciding factor in getting the job.
factor

A scientist studies a genetic factor in a laboratory.

Noun
  1. (genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
    • genes were formerly called factors
  2. an independent variable in statistics
  3. any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together
  4. a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
  5. one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer
    • what are the 4 factors of 6?
  6. an abstract part of something
    • jealousy was a component of his character
    • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
    • the grammatical elements of a sentence
    • a key factor in her success
    • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
  7. anything that contributes causally to a result
    • a number of factors determined the outcome
Verb
  1. consider as relevant when making a decision
    • You must factor in the recent developments
  2. be a contributing factor
    • make things factor into a company's profitability
  3. resolve into factors
    • a quantum computer can factor the number 15

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "factor"

Từ có nhắc đến "factor"