Solving (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0: A Comprehensive Guide

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In summary, a popular strategy for solving the equation (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0 is "guess and check", followed by polynomial long division to reduce the order of the polynomial. It is also suggested to multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to avoid dealing with fractions.
  • #1
nameVoid
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(1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0
 
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  • #2
try let t=x^2
by the way, you'd better show at least some of your attempt first, people do not like to answer a question shown in this way
 
  • #3
Yes, let's see some work nameVoid!

Another hint, if you don't like fractions, is to multiple both sides of the equation by 2.


01
 
  • #4
A popular strategy to get the first root to this type of problem is "guess and check". After you've guessed one root, which is easy to do in this case, you can do polynomial long division to reduce the order of the polynomial and get an equation you may be more familar with solving.
 

FAQ: Solving (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the process for solving (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0?

To solve this equation, we will use the method of factoring and the quadratic formula. First, we will factor out a (1/2) from the equation to get (1/2)(x^4-2x^2-2)=0. Then, we can use the quadratic formula to solve for x^2, and then solve for x.

What are the steps for factoring (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0?

The steps for factoring this equation are as follows:
1. Factor out a (1/2) from the equation to get (1/2)(x^4-2x^2-2)=0.
2. Write the equation in the form of (ax^2+bx+c)(dx^2+ex+f)=0.
3. Use the FOIL method and the distributive property to expand the equation.
4. Group the like terms and factor out common factors.
5. Set each factor equal to 0 and solve for x.

What is the quadratic formula and how is it used to solve (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0?

The quadratic formula is x=(-b±√(b^2-4ac))/2a. To use the quadratic formula to solve (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0, we first need to rewrite the equation in the form of ax^2+bx+c=0. Then, we can plug in the values of a, b, and c into the quadratic formula and solve for x.

Are there any special cases to consider when solving (1/2)x^4-x^2-1=0?

Yes, there are a few special cases to consider when solving this equation. One is that the equation has no real solutions if the discriminant (b^2-4ac) is negative. Another is that if the quadratic equation has a single real solution, the discriminant will equal 0. It is also important to note that if the leading coefficient (a) is 0, the equation is no longer quadratic and cannot be solved using the quadratic formula.

Can this equation be solved using other methods besides factoring and the quadratic formula?

Yes, there are other methods that can be used to solve this equation, such as completing the square and graphing. However, factoring and the quadratic formula are the most commonly used methods for solving quadratic equations.

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