factor(1)

NAME

     factor - obtain the prime factors of a number

SYNOPSIS

     factor [integer]

DESCRIPTION

     factor writes to standard input all prime  factors  for  any
     positive  integer  less  than  or equal to 10**14. The prime
     factors are written the proper number of times.

     If factor is used without  an  argument,  it  waits  for  an
     integer  to  be entered. After entry of the integer, it fac-
     tors it, writes its  prime  factors  the  proper  number  of
     times, and then waits for another integer. factor exits if a
     0 or any non-numeric character is entered.

     If factor is invoked with an argument (integer),  it  writes
     the  integer, factors it and writes all the prime factors as
     described above, and then exits. If the  argument  is  0  or
     non-numeric, factor writes a 0 and then exits.

     The maximum time to factor an  integer  is  proportional  to
     sqrt(n),  where  n  is  the integer which is entered. factor
     will take this time when n is  prime  or  the  square  of  a
     prime.

OPERANDS

     integer
           Any positive integer less than or equal to 10**14.

EXIT STATUS

     0     Successful completion.

     1     An error occurred.

DIAGNOSTICS

     factor prints the error message Ouch! for input out of range
     or for garbage input.

ATTRIBUTES

     See attributes(5) for descriptions of the  following  attri-
     butes:

     ____________________________________________________________
    |       ATTRIBUTE TYPE        |       ATTRIBUTE VALUE       |
    |_____________________________|_____________________________|
    | Availability                | SUNWesu                     |
    |_____________________________|_____________________________|

SEE ALSO

     attributes(5)