document.write( "Question 721020: Solve the following equation using the substitution method.
\n" ); document.write( "x^4 –5x^2 –14=0
\n" ); document.write( "Complete the following steps to solve the above equation:
\n" ); document.write( " Let u=x^2, substitute the variables, and write the new equation.
\n" ); document.write( " Now factor the new equation, apply the zero-product principle, and solve for u.
\n" ); document.write( " Now substitute u=x^2 to solve for x.
\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #442374 by jsmallt9(3758) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The directions you were given are very good. The only improvements I can make are:
\n" ); document.write( "Instead of:
\n" ); document.write( "\"Let u=x^2, substitute the variables, and write the new equation.\"
\n" ); document.write( "I would add
\n" ); document.write( "\"Let u=x^2. Then u^2 = (x^2)^2 = x^4, substitute u and u^2 for x^2 and x^4\"
\n" ); document.write( "and then instead of:
\n" ); document.write( "\"Now substitute u=x^2 to solve for x.\"
\n" ); document.write( "I would say:
\n" ); document.write( "\"Replace the u with x^2 and solve for x\" \n" ); document.write( "

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