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Factor the expression completely.

x^(4)-3x^(2)-4
Answer:

Factor the expression completely.\newlinex43x24 x^{4}-3 x^{2}-4 \newlineAnswer:

Full solution

Q. Factor the expression completely.\newlinex43x24 x^{4}-3 x^{2}-4 \newlineAnswer:
  1. Recognize Structure: Recognize the structure of the expression.\newlineThe given expression is a quadratic in form, but with a variable to the fourth power:\newlinex43x24x^4 - 3x^2 - 4\newlineWe can treat x2x^2 as a single variable, let's say uu, to make it look like a standard quadratic equation:\newlineu23u4u^2 - 3u - 4
  2. Factor Quadratic Expression: Factor the quadratic expression.\newlineNow, we factor u23u4u^2 - 3u - 4 as if it were a regular quadratic equation. We are looking for two numbers that multiply to 4-4 and add up to 3-3. These numbers are 4-4 and +1+1.\newlineSo we have:\newline(u4)(u+1)(u - 4)(u + 1)
  3. Substitute Back: Substitute back x2x^2 for uu. Now we replace uu with x2x^2 to get back to the original variable: (x24)(x2+1)(x^2 - 4)(x^2 + 1)
  4. Factor Further: Factor further if possible.\newlineThe term (x2+1)(x^2 + 1) is not factorable over the real numbers because it has no real roots. However, (x24)(x^2 - 4) is a difference of squares and can be factored further:\newline(x24)=(x2)(x+2)(x^2 - 4) = (x - 2)(x + 2)
  5. Write Completely Factored Expression: Write the completely factored expression. Combining the factors from the previous steps, we get the completely factored form of the original expression: x - \(2)(x + 22)(x^22 + 11)\

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