Does Anyone know how to solve this?

Question

Factor completely each polynomial. If the polynomial cannot be factored, say it is prime.

x( to the fourth) minus x (to the third) plus x minus one.
x4 -- x3 + x -- 1 =

Answer 1

You must factor the terms 2 at a time:
x^4 - x^3 = x^3(x-1);

x - 1 = 1(x - 1)

Now the common factor of these 2 answers is (x - 1)

So it is (x^3 + 1)(x - 1)

Now you have the sum of two cubes which can be factored.

x^3 + 1 = (x+1)(x^2 - x - 1)

So final answer: (x+1)(x^2 - x - 1)(x - 1)

Answer 2

for this kind of problem i suggest factor by grouping
x^4 - x^3 + x - 1
(x^4 - x^3) (+ x - 1) so first you factor out an x^3 from the first part and a 1 from the second part
x^3 (x - 1) + 1 (x - 1) then you put the parts together
(x^3 + 1) (x - 1) and i'm pretty sure thats as far as it can get

hope that helps

Answer 3

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