SOLUTION: How do I solve 3x(to the 4th power)-2x(to the 2nd power)=16

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Question 1149771: How do I solve 3x(to the 4th power)-2x(to the 2nd power)=16
Answer by ikleyn(52776)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

    3x^4 - 2x^2 = 16.


Introduce new variable t = x^2.

Then your equation takes the form


    3t^2 - 2t - 16 = 0.


Solve it using the quadratic formula


     =  =  = .


Only positive root is acceptable (since  t = x^2),  t =  =  = .


It implies  x^2 = ;  hence,  x = +/-  = +/- .    ANSWER

Solved.

Introducing new variable is the STANDARD WAY solving such problems.


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