SOLUTION: How do I factor this?
{{{m4 -38m^2n^2 + 72n^4}}}
The answer is {{{(m-6n)(m+6n)(m^2-2n^2)}}}
I'm confused on how they got this answer. The 38 is not a typo, either.
Note: the last coefficient is 72. We need to find factors of 72 that add to -38. Put another way, we need to find two numbers that multiply to 72 AND add to -38. Those two numbers are -2 and -36. That explains how I broke up into (notice the coefficients) Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website! Not remembering any instruction during Introductory Algebra from so long ago that dealt with factoring degree 4 trinomial, eventually further instruction combined from Introductory and College Algebra contained enough knowledge to use polynomial division for trying to handle something like you have; including Rational Roots Theorem, although you are not interested in roots here.
There is m^4 and n^4, the n^4 term having coefficient 72. Factors of 72 are 2, 3, 6, 12, 24,36.
You would want to test DIVISORS of , , , , , , ... possibly others. Your DIVIDEND must be formed as ;
After finding the quotient with remainder of zero, you next use whatever skills you have for factoring, or you might try another polynomial division on the quotient, choosing a divisor that you believe is worth testing. Answer by MathTherapy(10552) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
How do I factor this?
The answer is
I'm confused on how they got this answer. The 38 is not a typo, either.
The factors of 72 that sum to 72 (a * c), and differ by 38 (b), are 36 and 2
Therefore, becomes: -------- Factoring out GCF from each pair of binomials -------- Factoring further