To Factor Expressions
1. Place the cursor at the end of the expression, insert the symbolic evaluation operator, and type the keyword factor in the placeholder.
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PTC Mathcad factors integers into a product of prime numbers.
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PTC Mathcad factors polynomials or rational functions into a product of lower-order polynomials or rational functions.
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To perform a more complete factorization, type a comma after factor, and then type a comma-separated list of radicals occurring in the roots of the expression.
2. Type a polynomial, such as x2 – 2, which cannot be factored over the rational numbers because its roots are irrational.
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PTC Mathcad returns the polynomial unchanged.
3. To factor the polynomial further, type one of its roots, √2, after the keyword factor.
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4. To factor a polynomial with complex roots, insert the complex number i after factor.
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5. If you do not know the roots of a polynomial, perform the following steps:
a. Solve the polynomial first by using the keyword solve.
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b. Copy and paste the radical appearing in the roots, or either one of the roots themselves, into the placeholder after the keyword factor.
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