Question

solve for x, step by step with factoring no quad formula plz
x^4 - 5x^2 - 6 = 0

Answer 1

say: x^2 = a, and solve for a using quadratic methods

Answer 2

@jim_thompson5910 help here :D

Answer 3

exactly, but I'd use z instead of 'a' ('a' is its own word pretty much, which leads to confusion) to let

z = x^2

So

z^2 = x^4

which means

x^4 - 5x^2 - 6 = 0

becomes

z^2 - 5z - 6 = 0

Answer 4

if i were do to this it would be (x^2-6) (x^2+1)=0

Answer 5

(x^2-6) (x^2+1)=0 is the correct factorization

Answer 6

ok then why is it that (x^2-6) cant be factored further like (x=3) (x-3)

Answer 7

because (x+3) (x-3) = x^2 - 9

Answer 8

i mean (x+3) (x-2)

Answer 9

(x+3) (x-2) = x^2 + x - 6

Answer 10

so then how do i know when to take the square root

Answer 11

x^2-6 = 0

x^2 = 6

x = +-sqrt(6)

Answer 12

that's one piece to it

Answer 13

my problem was that after i reached the part where i factored the (x^2-6), i dont know whether to factor it or take out its square root

Answer 14

still dont get it if you can explain ill appreciate it

Answer 15

(x^2-6) (x^2+1)=0

x^2-6=0 or x^2+1=0

Now solve each equation separately

Answer 16

you can factor x^2 - 6, but it will involve square roots, so why not just jump straight to the answer and solve for x