SOLUTION: Can 4u^2-9u+4 be factored? If so could you please show me how?

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Question 137613: Can 4u^2-9u+4 be factored? If so could you please show me how?
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Well, the answer to your first question is yes and no. In fact, all quadratic polynomials can be factored, but the question becomes what is the nature of those factors. In fact, given alpha%5B0%5Dx%5En%2Balpha%5B1%5Dx%5E%28n-1%29+...+alpha%5Bn-1%5Dx%2Balpha%5Bn%5D,x-a is a factor if and only if a is a root of alpha%5B0%5Dx%5En%2Balpha%5B1%5Dx%5E%28n-1%29+...+alpha%5Bn-1%5Dx%2Balpha%5Bn%5D=0.

So all you need to do is find the two roots of 4u%5E2-9u%2B4=0, let's say they are a%5B1%5D and a%5B2%5D, then your factors of 4u%5E2-9u%2B4 are u-a%5B1%5D and u-a%5B2%5D.

On the other hand, I think you meant to ask if 4u%5E2-9u%2B4 is factorable over the integers or perhaps the rationals. If that is what you meant, then the answer is most certainly no. That is because the roots of 4u%5E2-9u%2B4=0 are irrational, specifically a%5B1%5D=%289%2Bsqrt%2817%29%29%2F2 and a%5B2%5D=%289-sqrt%2817%29%29%2F2 a conjugate pair of irrational numbers.