SOLUTION: I need to Factor X^2 + 256 using complex numbers! Please help.

Algebra ->  Complex Numbers Imaginary Numbers Solvers and Lesson -> SOLUTION: I need to Factor X^2 + 256 using complex numbers! Please help.      Log On


   



Question 17312: I need to Factor X^2 + 256 using complex numbers! Please help.
Answer by rapaljer(4671) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Notice first that 256 is a perfect square, since 16%5E2+=+256.
Second, remember from complex numbers that i%5E2+=+-1. Using this you can write:
x%5E2%2B+256=+s%5E2+-+256i%5E2, which is a difference of squares that factors.
(s-16i)(s+16i)

R^2 at SCC