SOLUTION: Hi, I need help please. (0.4y^2-0.0025)Factor completely. Thanks so much,

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Hi, I need help please. (0.4y^2-0.0025)Factor completely. Thanks so much,       Log On


   

Question 588620: Hi,
I need help please.
(0.4y^2-0.0025)Factor completely.
Thanks so much,
Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Unless your teacher is mean, you left out a zero.
0.04y%5E2-0.0025 is easy to factor because it is the difference of two squares.
0.04y%5E2=%280.2y%29%5E2 and 0.0025=0.05%5E2 so
0.04y%5E2-0.0025=%280.2y%2B0.05%29%280.2y-0.05%29
If the problem is really 0.4y%5E2-0.0025 you would end up with ugly square roots in your factors, as in

or if you like it better
%280.4y%2B0.01sqrt%2810%29%29%28y-0.025sqrt%2810%29%29 or %28y%2B0.025sqrt%2810%29%29%280.4y-0.01sqrt%2810%29%29