SOLUTION: which of the following binomials is not prime? 3x + 7 x^2 + 16 5x - 14 x^2 - 16

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: which of the following binomials is not prime? 3x + 7 x^2 + 16 5x - 14 x^2 - 16      Log On


   

Question 404502: which of the following binomials is not prime?
3x + 7
x^2 + 16
5x - 14
x^2 - 16
Answer by richard1234(7193) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x^2 - 16 isn't considered prime because it can be factored as a product of two polynomials with integer coefficients, i.e. (x-4)(x+4). x^2 + 16 can be factored, but it involves complex numbers; the factorization is (x+4i)(x-4i).