A method of generating a sequence of matrix factors for a transformation matrix having a plurality of rows and columns using a computer, wherein the transformation matrix stores data values representing a wavelet transform. In a first aspect, at least one plurality of row reduction operations are applied to the transformation matrix. The sequence of matrix factors is generated from the reduced transformation matrix and the row reduction operations. A scaling factor may be removed from the transformation matrix before applying the row reduction operations, wherein the scaled transformation matrix has a determinant with a coefficient equal to 1 or -1. In yet another aspect, the transformation matrix may have a nonzero monomial determinant and the sequence of matrix factors further includes a scaling matrix. The method may include further alternative features described herein.