Q. Factor the expression completely.x4−10x2+9Answer:
Recognize Structure: Recognize the structure of the expression.The expression x4−10x2+9 is a quadratic in form, with x2 taking the place of x in a standard quadratic equation. We can treat x2 as a single variable and factor the expression as if it were a quadratic.
Factor Quadratic Expression: Factor the quadratic expression.We are looking for two numbers that multiply to 9 and add up to −10. These numbers are −9 and −1 because (−9)×(−1)=9 and (−9)+(−1)=−10.So, we can write the expression as (x2−9)(x2−1).
Recognize Differences of Squares: Recognize that both factors are differences of squares. The expressions x2−9 and x2−1 are both differences of squares, which can be factored further.
Factor Each Difference: Factor each difference of squares.The factor x2−9 can be factored as (x+3)(x−3) because x2−9=(x+3)(x−3).The factor x2−1 can be factored as (x+1)(x−1) because x2−1=(x+1)(x−1).
Write Completely Factored Expression: Write the completely factored expression. Combining the factors from the previous steps, the completely factored form of the expression is (x+3)(x−3)(x+1)(x−1).
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