Question

How do you factor 2m^4-12m^2+16?

Answer 1

ok do you know how to solve quadratic equations?

Answer 2

substitute m^2 by n and then solve it as a quadratic equation.

Answer 3

also another hint take 2 common

Answer 4

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=factor%282m^4-12m^2%2B16%29

Answer 5

can you do that?

Answer 6

yes

Answer 7

I already know you can pull out a 2 because its the gcf but im not sure what to do after that

Answer 8

substitute m^2=n and solve the quadratic equation

Answer 9

So I would solve 2(m^4-6n+8)?

Answer 10

yea but if m^2=n

we have m^4=n^2

so you have to solve
2(n^2-6n+8)

you can do that right?

Answer 11

then resubstitute m after u get the value of n

Answer 12

ok thanks, i understand the process, ill solve it now. no more help is needed.