SOLUTION: Factor the following polynomial completely. -x^2y^2 + x^4 + 4y^2 - 4x^2 . (:

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: Factor the following polynomial completely. -x^2y^2 + x^4 + 4y^2 - 4x^2 . (:      Log On


   

Question 614848: Factor the following polynomial completely.
-x^2y^2 + x^4 + 4y^2 - 4x^2
.
(:
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
grouping ___ (-x^2y^2 + 4 y^2) + (x^4 - 4x^2)

factoring ___ -y^2(x^2 - 4) + x^2(x^2 - 4)

rearranging ___ (x^2 - y^2)(x^2 - 4)

factoring (again) ___ (x + y)(x - y)(x + 2)(x - 2) ___ difference of squares, twice