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Ch. P - Fundamental Concepts of Algebra
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 1, Problema 109

In Exercises 103–114, factor completely. x4−5x2y2+4y4

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1
Recognize that the given expression \( x^4 - 5x^2y^2 + 4y^4 \) is a quadratic form in terms of \( x^2 \) and \( y^2 \). Rewrite it as \( (x^2)^2 - 5(x^2)(y^2) + 4(y^2)^2 \).
Observe that this is a trinomial in the form \( a^2 - 2ab + b^2 \), which can potentially be factored as a product of two binomials. Let \( u = x^2 \) and \( v = y^2 \), so the expression becomes \( u^2 - 5uv + 4v^2 \).
Factor the trinomial \( u^2 - 5uv + 4v^2 \) by finding two numbers that multiply to \( 4 \) (the constant term) and add to \( -5 \) (the coefficient of \( uv \)). These numbers are \( -4 \) and \( -1 \).
Rewrite the trinomial as \( (u - 4v)(u - v) \), substituting back \( u = x^2 \) and \( v = y^2 \). This gives \( (x^2 - 4y^2)(x^2 - y^2) \).
Notice that both \( x^2 - 4y^2 \) and \( x^2 - y^2 \) are differences of squares. Factor them further as \( (x - 2y)(x + 2y) \) and \( (x - y)(x + y) \), respectively. The fully factored form is \( (x - 2y)(x + 2y)(x - y)(x + y) \).

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Quadratic Form

The expression x^4−5x^2y^2+4y^4 can be viewed as a quadratic in terms of x^2. By substituting u = x^2, the polynomial transforms into a standard quadratic form, making it easier to apply factoring techniques. This approach allows for the identification of roots and factors more straightforwardly.
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Difference of Squares

The difference of squares is a factoring technique used when an expression can be written in the form a^2 - b^2, which factors into (a - b)(a + b). In the context of the given polynomial, recognizing components that fit this pattern can simplify the factoring process and lead to a complete factorization of the expression.
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