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The term "to factor something (an expression, a polynomial or a number)" means to present it as a product of expressions, polynomials or numbers.
I think that's it.
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Comment from student: Thank you for your fast reply! I had in fact understood that part.
What intrigues me is the part "It's where expressions are changed from addition and subtraction to multiplication and
division" - I can't see the connection between this and factoring. This adding/substracting becoming
multiplication/division doesn't appear to tie in with this notion of factoring. Can you see what I mean? Kind regards, Peter
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My responce. I think I understand what you mean.
My advice is: do not concentrate too much on it and boldly go further.
You do not miss nothing essential.