SOLUTION: factor the polynomial: x^4 - 3x^2 y^2 + 2y^4

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: factor the polynomial: x^4 - 3x^2 y^2 + 2y^4      Log On


   

Question 503722: factor the polynomial: x^4 - 3x^2 y^2 + 2y^4
Answer by oberobic(2304) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x%5E4+-3x%5E2y%5E2+%2B+2y%5E4
.
To make factoring easier, use the "u-substitution" method:
u+=+x%5E2
v+=+y%5E2
.
u%5E2+-3uv+%2B+2v%5E2+=+%28u+-v%29%28u+-2v%29
.
%28x%5E2+-y%5E2%29%28x%5E2+-2y%5E2%29
.
%28x-y%29%28x%2By%29%28x-sqrt%282%29y%29%28x%2Bsqrt%282%29y%29