View Full Version : Factor each polynomial as possible
vee123
Jan 30, 2012, 01:16 PM
-16x2-48x-36
I keep getting (4x 8x 6)(-4x-8-6)
vee123
Jan 30, 2012, 01:18 PM
81m4-16
Is it prime?
vee123
Jan 30, 2012, 01:19 PM
4w2-256
I got (2w-16)(2w 16)
ebaines
Jan 30, 2012, 01:45 PM
-16x2-48x-36
i keep getting (4x 8x 6)(-4x-8-6)
Startig with:
-16x^2-48x-38
you can divide through by -4:
-4(4x^2+12x+9)
Now note that the factors of 4 are either 1 & 4 or 2 & 2, and factors of 9 are either 1 & 9 or 3 & 3. One set of combinations of these factors add to 12. Post back if you're still having trouble - show us what you tried and we'll help you along.
ebaines
Jan 30, 2012, 01:49 PM
4w2-256
i got (2w-16)(2w 16)
If you mean 4w^2 -256, and your answer is (2w-16)(2w+16) then yes, that's it. It's a difference of two squares.
Please note: if you copy and paste equations from other applications they don't turn out correctly, and so please type out the equations. Also, it is customary to use the carat sybol "^" to signify a power. Thus w^2 means "w squared."
ebaines
Jan 30, 2012, 01:49 PM
81m4-16
is it prime?
81m^4-16 looks like a diference of two squares to me.