What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
factorizing
Example
The professor asked us to factorize the polynomial equation. [factorize: verb]
Example
Factorizing the equation helped us to solve it more easily. [factorizing: gerund or present participle]
factoring
Example
We learned how to factor numbers in our math class. [factoring: verb]
Example
Factoring the expression helped us to solve the problem. [factoring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Factoring is more commonly used than factorizing in everyday language and is a fundamental concept in elementary and middle school math courses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between factorizing and factoring?
Factorizing may be associated with a more formal or technical tone due to its use in higher-level math courses, while factoring is more commonly used in everyday language and is therefore less formal.