Rational Sieve

In mathematics, the rational sieve is a general algorithm for factoring integers into prime factors. It is essentially a special case of the general number field sieve, and while it is far less efficient than the general algorithm, it is conceptually far simpler. So while it is rather useless as a practical factoring algorithm, it is a helpful first step for those trying to understand how the general number field sieve works.

Read more about Rational Sieve:  Method, Example, Limitations of The Algorithm, References

Famous quotes containing the words rational and/or sieve:

    To a first approximation, the intentional strategy consists of treating the object whose behavior you want to predict as a rational agent with beliefs and desires and other mental states exhibiting what Brentano and others call intentionality.
    Daniel Clement Dennett (b. 1942)

    It’s like pushing marbles through a sieve. It means the sieve will never be the same again.
    —Before the 1972 Democratic Convention in Miami. As quoted in Crazy Salad, ch. 6, by Nora Ephron (1972)