SYNOPSIS

       factor [number]

DESCRIPTION

       When factor is invoked without an argument, it waits for a number to be
       typed in.  If you type in a positive number less than 253 (about  9e15)
       it  will  factor  the  number  and print its prime factors; each one is
       printed the proper number of times.  Then it waits for another  number.
       It exits if it encounters a zero or any non-numeric character.

       If  factor  is invoked with an argument, it factors the number as above
       and then exits.

       Maximum time to factor is proportional to sqrt(n) and occurs when n  is
       prime or the square of a prime.

DIAGNOSTICS

       `Ouch.' for input out of range or for garbage input.



Heirloom Toolchest                  8/18/03                          FACTOR(1)