Help with an equation, here is what I have so far
x^4+5x^2-6=0
(x^2-3)(x^2-2)

Can someone correct me, I know I have an error but I cannot seem to find it.

Question

Help with an equation, here is what I have so far
x^4+5x^2-6=0
(x^2-3)(x^2-2)

Can someone correct me, I know I have an error but I cannot seem to find it.

amistre64 · Answer

its most likely the -2 -3 parts

anonymous · Answer

I thought so, do I need to use the quadratic equation for this?

amistre64 · Answer

not really;

notice that the last term is -6; the only way to get a - with mulitplication is if you have different signs

so, you need factors of -6 that combine (add) to get +5

anonymous · Answer

6 and 1...how did I not think of that. Thanks!

amistre64 · Answer

:)  good luck

anonymous · Answer

So then 
(x^2 + 6) (x^2 - 1)

amistre64 · Answer

yes, that looks better now.

the x^2 - 1 may factor as well

amistre64 · Answer

the extent to which you go is determined by the nature of the solution .... are you simplifying or finding zeros?

anonymous · Answer

Finding Zeros. So I believe that I shouldnt factor the (x^2 -1) correct?
It would be 
x2=-6
x2=1
does that seem right?

amistre64 · Answer

yes, that seems correct.  are your solutions spose to stay in the real numbers; or can they be complex as well?  cuase the x^2=-6 is gonna be complex

anonymous · Answer

Well, I don't know if this helps but they can be real or imaginary. That's all I know. Why, is there something else I can do with the (x^2 - 1) and the (x^2 + 6)?