SOLUTION: I need help figuring out how to factor out this binomial. Y^8 - 256. Please and thank you,its really stumping me.

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I need help figuring out how to factor out this binomial. Y^8 - 256. Please and thank you,its really stumping me.      Log On


   

Question 456489: I need help figuring out how to factor out this binomial.
Y^8 - 256.
Please and thank you,its really stumping me.
Found 2 solutions by Alan3354, tquon:
Answer by Alan3354(69443) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y^8 - 256
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View it as the difference of 2 squares.
a%5E2+-+b%5E2+=+%28a-b%29%2A%28a%2Bb%29
y%5E8+-+256+=+%28y%5E4%29%5E2+-+16%5E2
= %28y%5E4+-+16%29%2A%28y%5E4+%2B+16%29
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Then do the same for y%5E4+-+16

Answer by tquon(6) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If you take this as a difference of two squares, you can make this (y^4-16)(y^4+16). Further factoring can get you (y^2-4)(y^2+4)(y^4+16). Even more factoirng can finally get you (y-2)(y+2)(y^2+4)(y^4+16) and thats your final answer.