SOLUTION: Ok, some of these types of problems, for example {{{3x^4-81x}}}, I understand, but in {{{16a^4-2a}}}, I don't get it. I know you're supposed to factor out the GCF, but I'm lost. He

Algebra ->  Expressions -> SOLUTION: Ok, some of these types of problems, for example {{{3x^4-81x}}}, I understand, but in {{{16a^4-2a}}}, I don't get it. I know you're supposed to factor out the GCF, but I'm lost. He      Log On


   



Question 8434: Ok, some of these types of problems, for example 3x%5E4-81x, I understand, but in 16a%5E4-2a, I don't get it. I know you're supposed to factor out the GCF, but I'm lost. Help would be very appreciated.
Found 2 solutions by drglass, khwang:
Answer by drglass(89) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Factor out 2a. This will give you
2a%288a%5E3+-+1%29
If you are looking for 16a%5E4+-+2a+=+0 then this factorization tells us that a = 0 and a = 1/2 are solutions.

Answer by khwang(438) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3x%5E4-81x
= 3x x%5E3+-+27
= 3x(x-3)%28x%5E2+%2B+3x+%2B+9%29 [by using x%5E3-a%5E3 = (x-a)%28x%5E2%2B+ax+%2Ba%5E2%29 ]
Why nobody pointed out the mistake of another solution?
Kenny