possible factor

[hhtt21]

"When an expression is to be factored, we should always look first for a possible factor that is common to all terms."

What does "possible factor" above mean?

Source: Algebra and Trigonometry by Keedy/Bittinger.

Thank you.

 

[hhtt21]

Consider:

x + x^2 + x^3 + xsinx + xcosx. It should be clear that x is not only a possible factor, but it IS a factor. Rewrite:

x[1 + x + x^2 + sinx + cosx]

What else word would you natives offer instead of possible used in this way and meaning?

Thank you.

 

[Barb_D]

In the example you gave, it's obvious that x is the only common factor.
In more complex equations, you might need to ask "Is this a factor? Is this factor possible?" as you figure out whether (x-3) or (y+6) is a common factor. It's not immediately obvious, perhaps.

Well, hmmm. X-3 might be a common factor... let's see if it works... yup, it works.
That move it from being a "possible common factor" to an actual common factor.

 

[hhtt21]

In the example you gave, it's obvious that x is the only common factor.
In more complex equations, you might need to ask "Is this a factor? Is this factor possible?" as you figure out whether (x-3) or (y+6) is a common factor. It's not immediately obvious, perhaps.

Well, hmmm. X-3 might be a common factor... let's see if it works... yup, it works.
That move it from being a "possible common factor" to an actual common factor.

I think possible is very closed to potential here. Do you members agree?

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

I think possible is very closed to potential here. Do you members agree?

You could make that substitution in "possible/potential factor". It doesn't work in "Is this factor possible?"

 

[hhtt21]

You could make that substitution in "possible/potential factor". It doesn't work in "Is this factor possible?"

Instead of it can we say "This might be a potential factor"

Thank you.

 

[GoesStation]

Instead of it can we say "This might be a potential factor"?

"Might" and "potential" are redundant. Say "This is a potential factor" or "This might be​ a factor."