Pre-Algebra Examples

$s^{4} - 256$

Step 1

Rewrite $s^{4}$ as ${(s^{2})}^{2}$ .

${(s^{2})}^{2} - 256$

Step 2

Rewrite $256$ as $16^{2}$ .

${(s^{2})}^{2} - 16^{2}$

Step 3

Since both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, $a^{2} - b^{2} = (a + b) (a - b)$ where $a = s^{2}$ and $b = 16$ .

$(s^{2} + 16) (s^{2} - 16)$

Step 4

Simplify.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.1

Rewrite $16$ as $4^{2}$ .

$(s^{2} + 16) (s^{2} - 4^{2})$

Step 4.2

Factor.

Tap for more steps...

Step 4.2.1

Since both terms are perfect squares, factor using the difference of squares formula, $a^{2} - b^{2} = (a + b) (a - b)$ where $a = s$ and $b = 4$ .

$(s^{2} + 16) ((s + 4) (s - 4))$

Step 4.2.2

Remove unnecessary parentheses.

$(s^{2} + 16) (s + 4) (s - 4)$