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2.2. Factors

A term is a product of one or more factors that are separated by multiplication and division operators. A factor may be one of:

Literal values are actual numbers that, implicitly, are constant.

Constants, with names such as π or e, represent values that cannot be changed.

Variables, with names such as x, y, height, represent values that may change or can take values needed to satisfy an equation.

A function is a factor that has a value corresponding to the arguments of the function. For example,

sin 30° is equal to 0.5, where 30° is the argument.
A parenthesized sub-expression is an expression contained within a pair of grouping symbols; these may be nested. For example:
{[(x + y) + 2z] + 3w}
Exponentials are factors in which a variable, constant, function, or parenthesized sub-expression is raised to a power. For example:
x3
e-2
√3 = 31/2


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Copyright © 2005, Stephen R. Schmitt