Question

Write the polynomial in terms of its linear factors.

P(x) 2x^4 - 4x^3 - 16x^2

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

P(x) = (2x)(x)(x-4)(x+2)

Explanation:

Once the common factor of 2x^2 is factored out, you have ...

P(x) = 2x^2(x^2 -2x -8)

To factor the quadratic, you look for factors of -8 that have a sum of -2.

-8 = (1)(-8) = 2(-4)

These last factors have that sum, so we can write P(x) as ...

P(x) = (2x)(x)(x +2)(x -4)