What is the term for re-expressing an algebraic expression into a product of its factors?

The correct term for re-expressing an algebraic expression into a product of its factors is factoring. Factoring involves breaking down an expression into components that when multiplied together will give the original expression. This process is vital in simplifying expressions, solving equations, and understanding the structure of polynomials.

For example, consider the polynomial ( x^2 - 5x + 6 ). This can be factored into ( (x - 2)(x - 3) ). Factoring reveals the values of ( x ) that make the original expression equal to zero, which is essential in solving quadratic equations.

The other choices pertain to different mathematical operations: formulating generally relates to creating or structuring an expression or model; evaluating involves substituting values into an expression to find a numerical result; and combining typically refers to the process of adding or subtracting expressions. These terms do not represent the specific action of breaking down an expression into its factors, which is clearly defined by the term factoring.