24.7k views
4 votes
Which choice is a factor of x^4-1 when factored completely? A. x^2-1 B. x C. x-1 D. 1

2 Answers

5 votes
c. x-1 i think
This is a difference of perfect squares
User Tiblu
by
6.2k points
3 votes
ok so remember that x^3 times x^3=x^6 so
remember that
a^2+b^2=(a+b)(a-b)
so
(x^2)^2-1^2=(x^2+1)(x^2-1)
x^2-1^2=(x+1)(x-1)

possible factors are (x^2+1), (x^2-1), (x+1), (x-1)

facotred completely so have to chose from (x^2+1), (x+1), (x-1) since the (x^2-1) wasn't factored completely

the only match is C. x-1
User Ted Sander
by
6.7k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.