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Question
How do you simplify problems like this one: (^ means exponent)
x^7 - x^5
i have the answer but dont kow how to get it.
I am also having the same problem with this question:
6x(2-x)^4 - 9x^2(2-x)^3
Factor out the highest power of x
x^7 - x^5 = x^5 ( x^2 - 1)
For the second problem, start by factoring out the highest power of (2-x)
6x(2-x)^4 - 9x^2(2-x)^3 = (2-x)^3 ((6x)(2-x) - 9x^2)
next factor out the highest power of x
(2-x)^3 ((6x)(2-x) - 9x^2) = (x)(2-x)^3 ((6)(2-x) - 9x)
factor out 3
(x)(2-x)^3 ((6)(2-x) - 9x) =
(3)(x)(2-x)^3 ((2)(2-x) - 3x)
simplify
(3x)(2-x)^3 (4 - 2x -3x) =
(3x)(4-5x)(2-x)^3
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| Comment | i asked my teacher at school and she explained it much clearer then socrates did, yet they seemed like they knew what they were talking about, just not good teacher | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Socrates
Expertise
Any questions on High School Algebra, College Algebra, Abstract Algebra. I can help with word problems, solving equations, trigonometry, inequalities, Gaussian Elimination, Linear Algebra, groups, fields, you name it!
Experience
Ph.D. in Mathematics, specialist in Algebra. I have taught High School students and college students at three state universities.
Organizations
Mathematical Association of America. American Mathematical Society.
Publications
Regular contributions to the problems section of the American Mathematical Monthly journal.
Education/Credentials
B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
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