Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305071751
ISBN 13: 978-1-30507-175-9

Chapter 1 - Section 1.5 - Equations - 1.5 Exercises - Page 57: 123

Answer

If a=0, then x=0 If a$\lt$0, then x=x=+2$\sqrt a$ i or x=-2$\sqrt a$ i or x=+$\sqrt a$ i or x=-$\sqrt a$ i

Work Step by Step

$x^{4}$-5a$x^{2}$+$4a^{2}$=0 Make $n^{2}$=$(x^{2})^{2}$=$x^{4}$ Then $n^{2}$-5an+4$a^{2}$=0 (n-a)(n-4a)=0 n=a or n=4a Thus $x^{2}$=a or $x^{2}$=4a If a$\gt$0, then x=+2$\sqrt a$ or x=-2$\sqrt a$ or x=+$\sqrt a$ or x=-$\sqrt a$ If a=0, then x=0 If a$\lt$0, then x=x=+2$\sqrt a$ i or x=-2$\sqrt a$ i or x=+$\sqrt a$ i or x=-$\sqrt a$ i
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