Question

How do you factor 2x^4 - 2y^4

Answer 1

First factor out 2

2(x^4 - y^4)

Rewrite it as ((x^2)^2) and ((y^2)^2)

Then you get..

2 ((x^2)^2) - (y^2)^2))

Now both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, a^2 + b^2 = (a+b)(a-b)

a= x^2 and b= y^2

2((x^2 + y^2)(x+y)(x-y))

clean it up!

2(x^2 + y^2)(x+y)(x-y)