Final answer:
A factor is a number or variable that is multiplied by another in multiplication or to determine mathematical relationships such as in equations.
Step-by-step explanation:
A factor is a mathematical term that refers to a number or variable that is multiplied by another number or variable. In the context of multiplication, if we take the equation 2 x 3 = 6, both 2 and 3 are factors of 6. With variables, if we have an equation like y = mx + b, b and m can be considered factors that determine the shape of the line in a graphical representation, where x and y are variables plotted on the horizontal and vertical axis respectively. Understanding factors is crucial for solving various mathematical problems including those related to algebra and geometry.