If you are factoring a polynomial in one or more variables, then the result
of the factor() command is a product of irreducible terms.
If you want to factor, say, the argument of sin in sin(x^2-1) you can do
something like map(factor,%)
But that might not entirely do what you want.
RJF
> -----Original Message-----
> From: maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu
> [mailto:maxima-bounces at math.utexas.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Widlar
> Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 1:41 PM
> Cc: maxima at math.utexas.edu
> Subject: factor
>
> Daniel and Robert pointed us to factor() which does
> exactlywant we wanted..
>
> Is there an recursive version of factor() perhaps in a simplification
> function where the factorization is applied recursively until
> no further
> common factors can be extracted in subexpressions. If such a
> recursive
> function doesn't exist exist, how hard would it be for
> novices like us
> to write one?
>
> Thanks.
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