2007-02-12 18:45:59 · 6 answers · asked by bobbo2582 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
You can't--at least, not in real numbers.
You can see this by setting it equal to zero, then solving for x:
x^2 = -16
x = sqrt(-16) = 4i. So the factorization would be (x - 4i)*(x+4i).
Or if you use the quadratic formula:
x = -0 (+-) sqrt(0-4*16)/2 = (+-)4i.
2007-02-12 18:52:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The expression signifies the sum of squares, which can not be factored. When an expression can not be factored, its called prime.
2007-02-13 00:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by ♪♥Annie♥♪ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
(x+4â(-1)) (x-4(â-1))
2007-02-12 18:56:38 · answer #3 · answered by Mark G 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
x^2 + 16 =
(x + i4)(x - i4)
where i = â-1
2007-02-12 19:12:36 · answer #4 · answered by Helmut 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
x^2 + 16 = x^2 - (-16) = x^2 - (4i)^2 = (x-4i)(x+4i)
( here i is (-1)^1/2)
2007-02-12 18:52:58 · answer #5 · answered by sikar 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you would need to use imaginary numbers.
2007-02-12 18:50:31 · answer #6 · answered by Christina C 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋