Question

Factorise the term p^4-256

Answer 1

(p - 4)(p + 4)(p² + 16)

Explanation:

given

`p^(4)` - 256 ← is a difference of squares and factors in general as

a² - b² = (a - b)(a + b)

given

`p^(4)` - 256

= (p² )² - 16² → with a = p² and b = 16 , then

= (p² - 16)(p² + 16) ← (p² - 16) is a difference of squares , so

= (p² - 4²)(p² + 16) , that is

= (p - 4)(p + 4)(p² + 16)