Final answer:
To factor the polynomial function f(x) = x⁶ - 6x⁴ - 31x² + 36 completely, you can use the conjugate roots theorem. The completely factored form of the polynomial function is f(x) = (x² - 6)(x² - 4)(x² - 9).
Step-by-step explanation:
To factor the polynomial function f(x) = x⁶ - 6x⁴ - 31x² + 36 completely, we can use the conjugate roots theorem. First, let's group the terms with common factors:
x⁶ - 6x⁴ - 31x² + 36 = (x⁶ - 6x⁴) - (31x² - 36)
Now, we can factor out the common factors:
x⁴(x² - 6) - (31x² - 36)
Next, let's simplify the expression:
x⁴(x² - 6) - (x² - 6)(31x² - 36)
Now we have a quadratic expression that can be factored further:
(x² - 6)(x⁴ - 31x² + 36)
Finally, we can factor the second term using the quadratic formula or by factoring:
(x² - 6)(x² - 4)(x² - 9)
Therefore, the completely factored form of the polynomial function is f(x) = (x² - 6)(x² - 4)(x² - 9).