how do you factor 6x(to the 4thpower)y+12x squaredy?

Question

It has been a while since I did algebra, any help would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The most important thing to accomplish in solving this problem is to recognize the "greatest common factor" or GCF of the two given terms.

Starting with:

6yx^4 + 12yx^2

we immediately see that the following factors "go into" both:

6, x^2, y

Collectively, these form the GCF:

6yx^2

Dividing the GCF from the other terms leaves our second factor:

(x^2 + 2)

The solution is therefore:

6yx^2 (x^2 + 2)

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You can take 6x²y out of both values in the sum:

6x²y(x² + 2)

If you need to factor the x² + 2, then you can use the quadratic formula:

6x²y(x + i√2)(x - i√2)

Answer 3

I think, Dave, that (x² + 2) is considered to be not factorable, although of course the "factors" that you give will multiply to x² + 2.

Answer 4

Factor out 6x^2y from both terms, and you're done.

6x^2y(x^2 + 2)

Answer 5

take 6x^2 as common
=6x^2(x^2+2)

Answer 6

6x^4 + 12x^2
=6x^2(x^2 + 2)