SOLUTION: I'm asked to factor the polynomial: x^4 + x^2 + 1 but I can't see how it fits into one of the patterns. If I try grouping to pull x^2 from the first two, I get: x^2(x^

Question 339930: I'm asked to factor the polynomial:
x^4 + x^2 + 1
but I can't see how it fits into one of the patterns.
If I try grouping to pull x^2 from the first two, I get:
x^2(x^2 + 1) + 1
but that's not factoring, is it?

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You can't factor this (over the rationals) since there no two numbers that both multiply to 1 and add to 1 at the same time. Double check the problem to make sure you typed it correctly.
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