SOLUTION: Determine the number of factors of ^256-1 and list them. Support your answer by showing logical algebraic steps and explain how you arrived at your answer. Hint: Note that 2

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Determine the number of factors of ^256-1 and list them. Support your answer by showing logical algebraic steps and explain how you arrived at your answer. Hint: Note that 2      Log On


   



Question 182298: Determine the number of factors of ^256-1 and list them. Support your answer
by showing logical algebraic steps and explain how you arrived at your answer.
Hint: Note that 256=2^8 . This problem requires understanding both, the prime factorization (section 5.1) and also factoring difference of two squares from the "special products" rules (section 5.2). After studying factoring, answering this DQ involves synthesis and some deep thinking in your part. Try to do your best.


Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
256-1
= 2^8 - 1
= (2^4 -1)(2^4 + 1)
= (2^2 -1)(2^2 +1)(2^2+i)(2^2-i)
= (2-1)(2+1)(2+i)(2-i)(4+i)(4-i)
= 1*3*(2+i)(2-i)(4+i)(4-i)
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I'm not sure this is what you want and I don't know
what you mean when you put ^ in front of 256-1.
.
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Cheers,
Stan H.