Question

Factorise x^12 y^4 - x^4 y^12

PLEASE PLEASE explain in step by step Pleasseeeeee​

Answer 1

Explanation:

First, look at your terms. You have two terms and two variables in each. So they can be factored out because you can distribute them back in easily.

Focus one variable first, x. You cant factor an x^12 out of an x^4. You can, but you really don't want to, it'll turn your problem into a mess. So the only thing you can do is factor out the lower exponent, x^4.

`x^4(x^8y^4-y^1^2)`

We arent done yet because the terms still share the y variable. You cant factor a y^12 from a y^4. This is the same problem with the x variable. So take out the lower one, y^4.

`x^4y^4(x^8-y^8)`