SOLUTION: I am having difficulty factoring (x^4 - 1). The following is my attempt, will someone please help me with this? Thanks, x16 – 1 (x4)4 – 1 (x4 – 1)(x4 + 1) (x2 – 1)(x4 + 1

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: I am having difficulty factoring (x^4 - 1). The following is my attempt, will someone please help me with this? Thanks, x16 – 1 (x4)4 – 1 (x4 – 1)(x4 + 1) (x2 – 1)(x4 + 1      Log On


   

Question 293349: I am having difficulty factoring (x^4 - 1). The following is my attempt, will someone please help me with this? Thanks,
x16 – 1
(x4)4 – 1
(x4 – 1)(x4 + 1)
(x2 – 1)(x4 + 1)(x4 – 1)
(x2 – 1)(x2 + 1)(x4 – 1)
(x+1)(x-1)(x2 + 1)(x4 + 1)
Found 2 solutions by helpnalgebra, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by helpnalgebra(91) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
remove the parentheses around the expression

not sure if it was a trick question by your teacher.
answer is x^4-1

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the expression is x%5E4+-+1, then x%5E4+-+1=%28x%2B1%29%28x-1%29%28x%5E2%2B1%29. Let me know if you need help getting that answer.