SOLUTION: factor 2x^6-10x^4+12x^2 i think it get factored down to 2x^2(x^4-5x^2+6x) but im not sure how to get it smaller

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: factor 2x^6-10x^4+12x^2 i think it get factored down to 2x^2(x^4-5x^2+6x) but im not sure how to get it smaller       Log On


   

Question 690523: factor
2x^6-10x^4+12x^2
i think it get factored down to 2x^2(x^4-5x^2+6x) but im not sure how to get it smaller
Answer by Stitch(470) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Given: 2X%5E6+-+10X%5E4+%2B+12X%5E2
You were right about pulling a 2X^2 out from each term but you left an X on your 6. It shold be:
2X%5E2%2A%28X%5E4+-+5X%5E2+%2B+6%29
Now find the factors of 6
6: 1, 2, 3, 6
Since 6 is positve, the two factors have to be both positive or both negative.
However, note that the 5X^2 is negative. That means you need at least one negative factor.
So if you have -1 + -6 = -7.
If you use -2 + -3 = -5. That fits your equation
So now the equation is:2X%5E2%2A%28%28X%5E2-3%29%2A%28X%5E2-2%29%29
or just simply 2X%5E2+%2A+%28X%5E2-3%29+%2A+%28X%5E2-2%29