SOLUTION: I'm not sure how to start this question. A polynomial P is given. P(x) = {{{x^4 + 8x2 − 9}}} (a) Factor P into linear and irreducible quadratic factors with real co

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm not sure how to start this question. A polynomial P is given. P(x) = {{{x^4 + 8x2 − 9}}} (a) Factor P into linear and irreducible quadratic factors with real co      Log On


   

Question 976542: I'm not sure how to start this question.
A polynomial P is given.
P(x) = x%5E4+%2B+8x2+%26%238722%3B+9
(a) Factor P into linear and irreducible quadratic factors with real coefficients.

(b) Factor P completely into linear factors with complex coefficients.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39621) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You might have really P%28x%29=x%5E4%2B8x%5E2.

x%5E2%28x%5E2%2B8%29

x%5E2=-2%2A2%2A2
x=0%2B-+2i%2Asqrt%282%29

Complete factorization is P%28x%29=x%5E2%28x-2i%2Asqrt%282%29%29%28x%2B2i%2Asqrt%282%29%29.