Question

Factor the polynomial completely using the general factoring strategy: 64x^5y^2-49x^3y^2

Answer 1

Well, take a look at each component you have. I would look one at a time, numbers, x's, y's, and find the largest thing in each category that you factor out of both terms. That'd be a start.

Answer 2

Yeah, the GCF
But I don't see one for 64 and 49

Answer 3

There isnt one : )

Answer 4

Ok, so y^2 on both sides
Cancel out?

Answer 5

Well, there isn't really any canceling out. I see what you're doing, but its not something you would typically do. But doing it the way you are, the y^2 would factor out, yes. If we can get you to the right answer this way it is fine, though :P

Answer 6

So you would have 64x^5 = 49x^3. So what about the x's now?

Answer 7

Well I want to do it the right way lol
So since there's no GCF what do I do now?

Answer 8

Add?

Answer 9

Well, the correct way would be to pull it outside of the equation. You would have it look like this y^2(64x^5 - 49x^3). Then you would deal with the x's. What would be the GCF for your x-terms?

Answer 10

15

Answer 11

Well, I mean what is the highest power of x that can be divided outof the equation?

Answer 12

3

Answer 13

I have a worksheet with multiple choices and all of the possible answers have y^2 in them

Answer 14

Well, if you factored out the x's and the y;s, youd be leftwith x^3y^2(64x^2 - 49). Theinside of those parenthesis would then factor further. So yeah, the x^3 and y^2 are going to stay there.

Answer 15

If you have multiple choices, may I see them?