Question

Factor the following expression completely- 16x^5-x^3

Answer 1

`x^3 (4x^2 - √(5))(4x^2 + √(5) )`

Explanation:

Factor the expression starting with a GCF. x^3 is the GCF of both terms.

`16x^5 - 5x^3\\x^3 ( 16x^2 - 5)`

To factor further, factor as a difference of squares.

`x^3 (4x^2 - √(5))(4x^2 + √(5) )`