College Algebra (6th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32178-228-3
ISBN 13: 978-0-32178-228-1

Chapter P - Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts of Algebra - Exercise Set P.5 - Page 76: 134

Answer

False. The second factor $(x^{2}-4)$ is itself a difference of two squares and can be factored. $(x^{4}-16)= (x^{2}+4)(x+2)(x-2)$

Work Step by Step

$(x^{4}-16) = (x^{2}+4)(x^{2}-4)$ The second factor $(x^{2}-4)$ is itself a difference of two squares and can be factored further. Express $(x^{2}-4)$ as the difference of two squares $x^{2}-2^{2}$ $(x^{4}-16) = (x^{2}+4)(x^{2}-2^{2})$ Using the formula $[(a^{2}-b^{2}) = (a+b)(a-b)]$ $(x^{4}-16)= (x^{2}+4)(x+2)(x-2)$ factored completely.
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