SOLUTION: I have a hard time factoring. Please help! Factor completely. 7x^6-63x^5+14x^4

Algebra.Com
Question 374474: I have a hard time factoring. Please help!
Factor completely.
7x^6-63x^5+14x^4
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Start with the given expression.


Factor out the GCF .


Now let's try to factor the inner expression


---------------------------------------------------------------


Looking at the expression , we can see that the first coefficient is , the second coefficient is , and the last term is .


Now multiply the first coefficient by the last term to get .


Now the question is: what two whole numbers multiply to (the previous product) and add to the second coefficient ?


To find these two numbers, we need to list all of the factors of (the previous product).


Factors of :
1,2
-1,-2


Note: list the negative of each factor. This will allow us to find all possible combinations.


These factors pair up and multiply to .
1*2 = 2
(-1)*(-2) = 2

Now let's add up each pair of factors to see if one pair adds to the middle coefficient :


First NumberSecond NumberSum
121+2=3
-1-2-1+(-2)=-3



From the table, we can see that there are no pairs of numbers which add to . So cannot be factored.


===============================================================



Answer:


So simply factors to


In other words, .


If you need more help, email me at jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com

Also, feel free to check out my tutoring website

Jim
RELATED QUESTIONS

Need these problem solved, I am having a hard time with my math homework and is failing. (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com,stanbon)
factor completely x^6 - 14x^4 + 49x^2 i have no clue where to even begin please... (answered by josmiceli)
7^6-14x^5+35x^4 Factor Completely, I need to see the steps... (answered by richwmiller)
7x^6-35x^5+14x^4 The problem asks me to factor completely. Can someone help... (answered by checkley79)
7x^6-14x^5+35x^4 factor completely, I know this should be basic but can I see the... (answered by richwmiller)
Can you please help me factor this polynomial x^4+3.5x^3-6x^2-14x+8? I need it for a... (answered by Alan3354)
Please help factor completely... (answered by Alan3354)
3x^2+14x-5= (please help factor... (answered by Alan3354)
how to factor 7x^3... (answered by ptth176)