Figure this one out...

[kjeopardy]

We need a math thread, fast...

FACTOR:
(and it can be done, maybe someone on here is an engineer or something, I'm just a student)

[[m'kay]]

I don't really remember anything from math courses because i've blocked them from my memory, but isn't that like high school algebra or some [poo]?

[Bryant]

The answer is 0.

[kjeopardy]

It is algebra, but its a (more) difficult one. Most factoring problems are easy: like x^2 - y^2 = (x+y)(x-y). This one requires a bit of thinking to figure out...what's your age range Bryant (given that you've already finished HS)? I would assume that the only people who might be able to get it are high school/college students, or adults who use math in their everyday professions. Or someone who has an algebra program on his/her computer, which will tackle this easily.

[Bryant]

It is algebra, but its a (more) difficult one. Most factoring problems are easy: like x^2 - y^2 = (x+y)(x-y). This one requires a bit of thinking to figure out...what's your age range Bryant (given that you've already finished HS)? I would assume that the only people who might be able to get it are high school/college students, or adults who use math in their everyday professions. Or someone who has an algebra program on his/her computer, which will tackle this easily.

I'm 21, and a Computer Engineering student. Most factoring like that requires memorization, for what the various forms are. And it not very useful for me to do so.

Wolframalpha says the answer is (2x^2 - 2xy + y^2)(2x^2 + 2xy + y^2)

[kjeopardy]

It is: you get it by doing the following.

4x^4 + y^4 = 4x^4 + 4x^2y^2 + y^4 - 4x^2y^2 = (2x^2 + y^2)^2 - (2xy)^2

This is a difference of squares, and factors as (2x^2 + y^2 + 2xy)(2x^2 + y^2 - 2xy).


By the way, do you know LaTeX?

[(=DK=)Samonuh]

Why does it even er?

[kjeopardy]

Why does it even er?

It doesn't, you're right . And it's not even a great problem, since a computer can solve it. Here's a better one, since a law student like you is clearly looking for a mathematical challenge . What's the biggest number (whole #) that divides: p^4-1, where p is prime and greater than 3?

This is actually a pretty decent problem...and wolframalpha won't be able to solve it...i know this is SWBF2 forums, but the guidlines say that I can spout of anything, no er how much it bores anyone to death, and believe me, i know I am boring some people (if not everyone ) to death.

Happy Solving.

Regards,

3.1415926535....

[[m'kay]]

it's 4

[kjeopardy]

4 does divide it yes, but it's not the biggest that works,,,how'd you get 4?