Question

how do you factor a polynomial ?

Answer 1

Depends. Do you have an example?

Answer 2

In short, one usually uses the rational roots theorem to determine possible rational roots. the theorem can give a long list of possible roots, but that list of complete for rational roots. After those are tested, one must use other methods.

Answer 3

16B(4)+8B(2)+20B

Answer 4

Absolute factorization of a polynomial of degree 4 (quartic) or less is possible with the quartic, cubic, and quadratic pformulas.

Answer 5

@nikkimae , for this example, you want to factor out all common factors first. You can reduce the expression into:

4B(4B^3+2B+5)

Answer 6

Nex you need to factor the resulting expression. You can use the rational roots theorem for ideas here.

Answer 7

then you just multiply right?

Answer 8

?

Answer 9

what do you do after you have reduce the expression?

Answer 10

You are attempting to simply the expression into factors. YOu do not multiply after - the whole point of factoring is to "undo" the multiplying.

Answer 11

ohhhh okay i got it thanks :)

Answer 12

okay - let me know if you need anymore help - note that that expression is not the final answer.

Answer 13

okay

Answer 14

okay one question how did you exactly reduce the expression ? i have exams and i need to know this stuff

Answer 15

use this to simply what is inside the parenthesis, http://www.purplemath.com/modules/rtnlroot.htm