factor(1) factor(1)
NAME
factor - obtain the prime factors of a number
SYNOPSIS
factor [integer]
DESCRIPTION
When you use factor without an argument, it waits for you to
give it an integer. After you give it a positive integer less
than 1014, it factors the integer, prints its prime factors
the proper number of times, and then waits for another
integer. factor exits if it encounters a zero or any non-
numeric character.
If you invoke factor with an argument, it factors the integer
as described above, and then it exits.
The maximum time to factor an integer is proportional to
sqrt(n), factor will take this time when n is prime or the
square of a prime.
DIAGNOSTICS
factor prints the error message, Ouch!, for input out of
range.
Copyright 1994 Novell, Inc. Page 1