factor out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "factor out" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing the process of separating out a factor or element from a larger equation. For example: "The equation was too complex, so I had to factor out various elements to simplify it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How can we factor out two costs that so greatly affect our everyday lives?

The New York Times

If I factor out the extra weight I'm carrying, my core rate is a svelte 175 pounds.

The New York Times

Painstaking analysis is required to factor out the noise.

Science Magazine

i.e., one can factor out the term from the expression for S ∗ J S − J.

Advances in Difference Equations

Various techniques used to factor out the individual contributions of these effects are described.

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

Canonical forms attempt to factor out a non-rigid shape's pose, giving a pose-neutral shape.

Graphical Models

If you factor out inflation and speculation, oil should be selling at about $30 a barrel.

Forbes

In stochastic broadcasting protocols, however, we need to factor out those nodes that do not forward RREQ.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This learned dictionary represents the basis vector, which could be used to factor out the transcribed notes.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

To factor out the particulars of location and orientation we have introduced the normalized surface polarization distribution.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

We can just factor out the deity and come up with the same scientific answers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "factor out" in mathematical or scientific contexts, ensure clarity about what element is being isolated and why. It can help simplify complex problems.

Common error

Avoid using "factor out" when simply meaning 'to ignore' or 'to disregard' without a clear process of isolation or simplification. "Factor out" implies a specific action of separating an element.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "factor out" is that of a phrasal verb. It is used to describe the act of isolating or removing a specific element, influence, or component from a situation, problem, or equation. As Ludwig AI points out, this use can be seen in mathematics, science, and general problem-solving contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "factor out" is a phrasal verb used to describe isolating or removing a specific element from a situation or problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and common across various fields, including science, mathematics, and general problem-solving. While alternatives like "isolate" or "separate out" exist, "factor out" carries a specific nuance of simplification or clarification. When writing, ensure you're not simply disregarding something but actively isolating it. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

separate out

Highlights the process of distinguishing and removing something from a larger group or whole.

extract

Implies carefully taking something out from a mixture or complex situation.

isolate

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting something apart from others, akin to removing a factor.

deduct

Suggests subtracting or taking away a quantity or element from a total.

exclude

Focuses on leaving something out or preventing it from being included.

eliminate

Emphasizes the complete removal or eradication of something.

remove

A general term for taking something away or eliminating it from consideration.

distill

Focuses on refining or purifying something by removing unwanted elements.

discount

Suggests reducing the importance or effect of something.

abstract

Implies deriving a general concept or quality from something, similar to isolating a factor.

FAQs

How is "factor out" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, "factor out" refers to the process of identifying a common factor in an expression and extracting it to simplify the expression. For example, in the expression 2x + 4, you can factor out the 2, resulting in 2(x + 2).

What does it mean to "factor out" emotions from a decision?

To "factor out" emotions from a decision means to try and make the decision based on logic and facts, rather than feelings or biases. This involves recognizing how your emotions might be influencing you and intentionally setting them aside.

What's a synonym for "factor out" in a general context?

In a general context, you can often replace "factor out" with "separate out", "isolate", or "exclude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "factor out" the same as "figure out"?

No, "factor out" is not the same as "figure out". "Factor out" means to isolate or remove a factor, while "figure out" means to understand or solve something.