Find the real of imaginary solutions of each equation by factoring. The equation is x^4 - 5x^2 + 4 = 0

Question

zehanz · Answer

You can factor it like this: (x² + a)(x² + b).
To find the a and b, remember that $a\cdot b=4$ and $a+b=-5$.

First, try to make a list of possible a's and b's with a product of 4. 
There aren't that many possibilities. 

Then, pick the pair that gives a sum of -5 and you're done!

zehanz · Answer

Aww, all kinds of weird diamond shapes in my reply...

I meant to type this: $(x^2+a)(x^2+b)=0$

zehanz · Answer

If you've found the a and b numbers, there is another step, so there will be 4 factors in total...

chosenmatt · Answer

yup

zehanz · Answer

I guess you've found all 4 solutions!