In Exercises 1–68, factor completely, or state that the polynomial is prime. 11x⁵ − 11xy²
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1
Factor out the greatest common factor (GCF) from the polynomial.
Identify the GCF of the terms 11x^5 and 11xy^2, which is 11x.
Factor 11x out of each term: 11x(x^4 - y^2).
Recognize that the expression inside the parentheses, x^4 - y^2, is a difference of squares.
Apply the difference of squares formula: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b), where a = x^2 and b = y.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials involves breaking down a polynomial expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original polynomial. This process often includes identifying common factors, applying the distributive property, and recognizing special polynomial forms such as the difference of squares or perfect square trinomials.
The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or terms without leaving a remainder. In polynomial expressions, finding the GCF is crucial as it simplifies the factoring process by allowing us to factor out the GCF from each term, making the remaining polynomial easier to work with.
A polynomial is considered prime if it cannot be factored into the product of two non-constant polynomials with real coefficients. Understanding whether a polynomial is prime is essential in algebra, as it determines the methods used for solving equations or simplifying expressions. Recognizing prime polynomials helps in identifying when further factoring is not possible.