Is this unsolvable? Or is it possible? If it's possible, what is the answer? Factor x^2+16. I think it's unsolvable, but I just want to be sure.

Question

Is this unsolvable? Or is it possible? If it's possible, what is the answer? Factor  x^2+16. I think it's unsolvable, but I just want to be sure.

anonymous · Answer

Nope it isn't impossible. Since X is squared, you unsquare it and 16. What is the square of 16?

kainui · Answer

(x-4i)(x+4i) lol

kainui · Answer

That's probably not the answer you wanted though, if you want a real factorization, then yes you're correct.

anonymous · Answer

Yeah, it has to be a real factorization lol.

kainui · Answer

You can write x^2+4^2 and that's all you can do if you're uncomfortable with sqrt(-1)

anonymous · Answer

Is the the right way to do it? Like, if it's on a test would that be acceptable? When the directions say: Factor the polynominals

kainui · Answer

What class are you in? Just algebra in highschool right? You're more likely to see x^2-16, which is factorable. I wouldn't lose sleep over this one, it's just a trick question version of that.

anonymous · Answer

No, -_- I'm a college student who is really bad at math. so it's a 099 class that prepares us for a math called 121. 099 is called introductory algebra.