Q. Factor the expression completely.x4−13x2+36Answer:
Identify Quadratic Form: We are asked to factor the expression x4−13x2+36. This is a quadratic in form, where the variable x2 is taking the place of x in a standard quadratic equation. We will look for two numbers that multiply to 36 and add up to −13.
Find Factor Pairs: Let's set up the factors of 36 and find the pair that adds up to −13. The pairs of factors of 36 are (1,36), (2,18), (3,12), (4,9), (6,6). We notice that the pair (4,9) can add up to −13 if both are negative: −130 and −131.
Write Factored Quadratic: Now we can write the expression as a factored quadratic: x4−13x2+36=(x2−4)(x2−9). We have factored the original expression into the product of two binomials.
Factor Differences of Squares: We notice that both binomials are differences of squares. The difference of squares can be factored further as (a2−b2)=(a−b)(a+b). We apply this to both binomials.
Factor x2−4: First, we factor x2−4 as (x−2)(x+2). This is because 4 is 22, and we apply the difference of squares formula.
Factor x2−9: Next, we factor x2−9 as (x−3)(x+3). This is because 9 is 32, and we again apply the difference of squares formula.
Combine Factors: Combining the factors from the previous two steps, we get the complete factorization of the original expression: x4−13x2+36=(x−2)(x+2)(x−3)(x+3).
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