Q. Factor the expression completely.x4+4x2−5Answer:
Recognize Structure: Recognize the structure of the expression.The given expression x4+4x2−5 resembles a quadratic in form, where x2 is the variable. We can substitute y=x2 to make it look like a quadratic equation: y2+4y−5.
Factor Quadratic Expression: Factor the quadratic expression.We now factor y2+4y−5 as if it were a regular quadratic equation. We look for two numbers that multiply to −5 and add up to 4. These numbers are 5 and −1.So, y2+4y−5factors into (y+5)(y−1).
Substitute Back: Substitute back x2 for y. Now we replace y with x2 in the factored form to get (x2+5)(x2−1).
Recognize Difference of Squares: Recognize that x2−1 is a difference of squares.The term x2−1 can be factored further since it is a difference of squares. It factors into (x+1)(x−1).
Write Completely Factored Expression: Write the completely factored expression.The completely factored form of the original expression is (x2+5)(x+1)(x−1).
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