Algebra Examples

Solve by Factoring x^4-8x^2+7=0
Step 1
Rewrite as .
Step 2
Let . Substitute for all occurrences of .
Step 3
Factor using the AC method.
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Step 3.1
Consider the form . Find a pair of integers whose product is and whose sum is . In this case, whose product is and whose sum is .
Step 3.2
Write the factored form using these integers.
Step 4
Replace all occurrences of with .
Step 5
Rewrite as .
Step 6
Factor.
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Step 6.1
Since both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, where and .
Step 6.2
Remove unnecessary parentheses.
Step 7
If any individual factor on the left side of the equation is equal to , the entire expression will be equal to .
Step 8
Set equal to and solve for .
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Step 8.1
Set equal to .
Step 8.2
Solve for .
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Step 8.2.1
Add to both sides of the equation.
Step 8.2.2
Take the specified root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.
Step 8.2.3
The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.
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Step 8.2.3.1
First, use the positive value of the to find the first solution.
Step 8.2.3.2
Next, use the negative value of the to find the second solution.
Step 8.2.3.3
The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.
Step 9
Set equal to and solve for .
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Step 9.1
Set equal to .
Step 9.2
Subtract from both sides of the equation.
Step 10
Set equal to and solve for .
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Step 10.1
Set equal to .
Step 10.2
Add to both sides of the equation.
Step 11
The final solution is all the values that make true.
Step 12
The result can be shown in multiple forms.
Exact Form:
Decimal Form: