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Factor the expression completely.

x^(4)-4x^(2)-12
Answer:

Factor the expression completely.\newlinex44x212 x^{4}-4 x^{2}-12 \newlineAnswer:

Full solution

Q. Factor the expression completely.\newlinex44x212 x^{4}-4 x^{2}-12 \newlineAnswer:
  1. Recognize Structure: Recognize the structure of the expression.\newlineThe expression x44x212x^4 - 4x^2 - 12 resembles a quadratic in form, where x2x^2 is the variable instead of xx. This suggests we can factor it similarly to how we would factor a quadratic equation.
  2. Factor as Quadratic: Factor the expression as if it were a quadratic.\newlineWe are looking for two numbers that multiply to 12-12 and add up to 4-4 (the coefficient of the middle term). These numbers are 6-6 and +2+2.\newlineSo, we can write the expression as (x26)(x2+2)(x^2 - 6)(x^2 + 2).
  3. Check for Further Factoring: Check for further factoring possibilities.\newlineThe term (x2+2)(x^2 + 2) cannot be factored further over the real numbers because it does not have real roots. However, the term (x26)(x^2 - 6) is a difference of squares and can be factored further.
  4. Factor Difference of Squares: Factor the difference of squares.\newlineThe expression x26x^2 - 6 can be written as (x6)(x+6)(x - \sqrt{6})(x + \sqrt{6}) because (x6)(x+6)=x2(6)2=x26(x - \sqrt{6})(x + \sqrt{6}) = x^2 - (\sqrt{6})^2 = x^2 - 6.
  5. Combine Factors: Combine all factors to write the final factored expression.\newlineThe completely factored form of the expression is (x6)(x+6)(x2+2)(x - \sqrt{6})(x + \sqrt{6})(x^2 + 2).

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