Q. Factor the expression completely.−16−36x4Answer:
Identify common factors: Identify common factors in the terms.We have the expression −16−36x4. Both terms have a common factor of −4.
Factor out common factor: Factor out the greatest common factor.Factor out −4 from both terms.−4(4+9x4)
Recognize sum of squares pattern: Recognize the sum of squares pattern.The expression inside the parentheses, 4+9x4, is a sum of squares, which can be written as (22+(3x2)2).
Factor sum of squares: Factor the sum of squares using the difference of squares formula.The sum of squares does not factor over the real numbers, so we cannot factor it further using real numbers. The expression is already factored as much as possible over the real numbers.
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