factorial Definition
the product of an integer and all the integers below it; e.g. factorial four ( 4! ) is equal to 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24.
Using factorial: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "factorial" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The factorial of 5 is 120.
Example
The factorial function grows very quickly.
Example
Factorials are used in probability theory and combinatorics.
factorial Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for factorial
Phrases with factorial
a mathematical notation that indicates the number of times a factor is multiplied by itself
Example
The factorial notation for 5 is 5!.
an experiment in which all possible combinations of a set of factors are investigated
Example
The factorial experiment allowed us to determine the optimal combination of variables.
double factorial
a function that multiplies every other positive integer up to a given number, denoted by n!!
Example
The double factorial of 5 is 15.
Origins of factorial
from Latin 'factor', meaning 'doer'
Summary: factorial in Brief
The term 'factorial' [fækˈtɔːriəl] refers to the product of an integer and all the integers below it. It is often used in mathematics, probability theory, and combinatorics. For example, the factorial of 5 is 120, and factorial notation is used to indicate the number of times a factor is multiplied by itself.
