Can you help me factor the expression x^4 - 15x^2 + 9?

[mathdad]

Factor the expression.

x^4 - 15x^2 + 9

Let u = x^2

Let x^4 = (x^2)^2

u^2 - 15u + 9

Must I use the quadratic formula here or completing the square?

 

[MarkFL]

No, we want to use a trick kaliprasad showed us recently:

\(\displaystyle x^4-15x^2+9=x^4-6x^2+9-9x^2=\left(x^4-6x^2+9\right)-\left(9x^2\right)\)

Can you continue?

 

[mathdad]

Can I apply the u-substitution?

Let u = x^2

(u^2 - 6u + 9) - 9u

(u - 3)(u - 3) - 9u

(x^2 - 3)(x^2 + 3) - 9x^2

Yes? No?

 

[MarkFL]

Can I apply the u-substitution?

Let u = x^2

(u^2 - 6u + 9) - 9u

(u - 3)(u - 3) - 9u

(x^2 - 3)(x^2 + 3) - 9x^2

Yes? No?

What I intended for you to observe is that:

\(\displaystyle x^4-6x^2+9=\left(x^2-3\right)^2\)

\(\displaystyle 9x^2=(3x)^2\)

And so the expression can be written as a difference of squares, and then factored as such. :)

 

[mathdad]

I will be able to complete the factoring work here thanks to you. Keep in mind that I am now in the quadratic equations chapter of the David Cohen textbook. Lots of interesting questions in this chapter. I will be posting questions in terms of the discriminant, radical equations, literal equations and perhaps a few word problems.

I definitely know more math today since joining this website. Please, remind me to share with you what happened to me at Bank One in Springfield, MO 2006. The Bank One story is related to math and complete embarrassment. Look for a PM from me. I will text 5 general questions today or tomorrow.