SOLUTION: Factor the expression, if possible. x^4 - 1296 Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored. i know this is a perfect square because 36*36=1296 but how do

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the expression, if possible. x^4 - 1296 Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored. i know this is a perfect square because 36*36=1296 but how do       Log On


   

Question 103776This question is from textbook beginning and intermediate algebra
: Factor the expression, if possible.
x^4 - 1296
Please enter "prime ", if the expression cannot be factored.

i know this is a perfect square because 36*36=1296 but how do i factor it my online assignment i put (x^2+36)(x^2-36) and it says its incorrect then i factor that which is (x+6)(x+6)(x-6)(x+6) and it says it wrong what is the asnwer???HELP ME PLZZZ

This question is from textbook beginning and intermediate algebra

Found 3 solutions by scott8148, edjones, jim_thompson5910:
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
you are doing fine with the difference of two squares

the sum of two squares does not factor ... (x+6)(x+6)=x^2+12x+36

Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x^4 - 1296
=(x^2+36)(x^2-36)
=(x^2+36)(x+6)(x-6)
Ed

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The first answer %28x%5E2%2B36%29%28x%5E2-36%29 is correct. But since the program/test might want it in the most simplified form, you'll then have to factor x%5E2-36 to %28x-6%29%28x%2B6%29+


So you're final answer should be %28x%5E2%2B36%29%28x-6%29%28x%2B6%29

Note: your second answer %28x%2B6%29%28x%2B6%29%28x-6%29%28x%2B6%29 is not correct simply because x%5E2%2B36 does not factor to %28x%2B6%29%28x%2B6%29. It turns out that you cannot factor x%5E2%2B36 at all. So that means you have to leave that part alone.