SOLUTION: I am having trouble factoring 6x^6-24x^4+18x^2---I cant figure out what to begin with when I start to factor. Should I take out a 3x^2?

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I am having trouble factoring 6x^6-24x^4+18x^2---I cant figure out what to begin with when I start to factor. Should I take out a 3x^2?      Log On


   

Question 80557This question is from textbook
: I am having trouble factoring 6x^6-24x^4+18x^2---I cant figure out what to begin with when I start to factor. Should I take out a 3x^2? This question is from textbook

Answer by tutor_paul(519) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
6x%5E6-24x%5E4%2B18x%5E2
I started out by factoring out a 6x^2 term:
6x%5E2%28x%5E4-4x%5E2%2B3%29
Now, you can factor the terms multiplying that 6x^2 as follows:
6x%5E2%28x%5E2-1%29%28x%5E2-3%29
You can recognize that (x^2-1) is the difference of 2 squares and can be further factored:
6x%5E2%28x-1%29%28x%2B1%29%28x%5E2-3%29
I think that is about it.
Good Luck,
tutor_paul@yahoo.com