13.2k views
1 vote
Factor x^(4)+12x^(2)+36 completely. All factors in your answer should have integer coefficients.

1 Answer

6 votes

To factor x^(4)+12x^(2)+36, we familiarize ourselves with patterns that lead to perfect squares. Considering that a quadratic equation like y = ax^2 + bx + c can be factored as a perfect square only if b^2 = 4ac, we note that the given equation is in the form of u^2 + 2vu + v^2, where u = x^2 and v = 6.

1. The given polynomial is x^4 + 12x^2 + 36.

2. From this, we can observe that x^4 is a perfect fourth power, 12*x^2 is twice the product of x^2 and 6, and 36 is a perfect square of 6.

3. Therefore, our polynomial satisfies the identity a^2+2ab+b^2 = (a+b)^2. Here, a = x^2 and b = 6.

4. Therefore, we can factorize x^4 + 12x^2 + 36 as (x^2 + 6)^2.

Our factorized polynomial is (x^2 + 6)^2.

User ICW
by
8.1k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories