SOLUTION: Factor the expression, if possible. 36 a4 + 169b4 Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored. The number 4 next to the "a" is suppose to be to the power

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the expression, if possible. 36 a4 + 169b4 Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored. The number 4 next to the "a" is suppose to be to the power       Log On


   

Question 103760This question is from textbook beginning and intermediate algebra
: Factor the expression, if possible.
36 a4 + 169b4
Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored.
The number 4 next to the "a" is suppose to be to the power 4 and so does the 4 next the variable "b" This question is from textbook beginning and intermediate algebra

Answer by Earlsdon(6294) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor:
36a%5E4%2B169b%5E4 This is "prime" although, if you have covered imaginary numbers yet, you could factor this as follows:
36a%5E4%2B169b%5E4+=+%286a%5E2%2B13b%5E2i%29%286a%5E2-13b%5E2i%29 where: i+=+sqrt%28-1%29
If the problem had been:
36a%5E4-169b%5E4 then it would be factorable.