Solve the Equation: x⁴ + x² = 0 Using Factoring

Polynomial Factoring with Zero Product Property

x4+x2=0 x^4+x^2=0

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:04 Let's find the value of X.
00:07 First, factor the expression with X squared.
00:14 Next, remove the common factor from the parentheses.
00:25 Great! This is one solution that makes the equation equal zero.
00:30 Now, let's see which solutions make the second factor zero.
00:36 To do this, let's isolate X.
00:41 Remember, any number squared is positive, so there is no solution here.
00:46 And that concludes our solution.

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

x4+x2=0 x^4+x^2=0

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem at hand is to solve the equation x4+x2=0 x^4 + x^2 = 0 .

Let's begin by factoring the expression:

The given equation is: x4+x2=0 x^4 + x^2 = 0

We can factor out the common factor of x2 x^2 from both terms:

x2(x2+1)=0 x^2(x^2 + 1) = 0

To solve for x x , we set each factor equal to zero:

  • x2=0 x^2 = 0

Solving for x x , we have:

x=0 x = 0

Next, consider the second factor:

  • x2+1=0 x^2 + 1 = 0

Solving for x x , we have:

x2=1 x^2 = -1

Since x2=1 x^2 = -1 has no real solutions, we ignore these solutions in the real number system.

Thus, the only real solution to the equation x4+x2=0 x^4 + x^2 = 0 is:

x=0 x = 0

3

Final Answer

x=0 x=0

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Factor out common terms first, then apply zero product property
  • Technique: Factor x4+x2=x2(x2+1) x^4 + x^2 = x^2(x^2 + 1) by removing x2 x^2
  • Check: Substitute x = 0: 04+02=0 0^4 + 0^2 = 0

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to solve without factoring first
    Don't attempt to solve x4+x2=0 x^4 + x^2 = 0 by guessing values = missed solutions and confusion! This ignores the systematic approach and can lead to incomplete answers. Always factor completely first, then use the zero product property.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following equation:


\( 2x^2-8=x^2+4 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't the solutions from x2+1=0 x^2 + 1 = 0 count?

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Great question! When we solve x2+1=0 x^2 + 1 = 0 , we get x2=1 x^2 = -1 . Since no real number squared gives a negative result, these are called imaginary solutions and aren't part of the real number system we typically work with.

How do I know when to factor out a common term?

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Look for terms that share the same variable or number! In x4+x2 x^4 + x^2 , both terms contain x2 x^2 , so we can factor it out. This is like factoring out 3 from 3x + 3y = 3(x + y).

What if I only found x = 0 and stopped there?

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You'd be missing important information! Even though x2+1=0 x^2 + 1 = 0 has no real solutions, recognizing this is part of the complete solution process. Always solve each factor to show your full mathematical reasoning.

Can polynomial equations have just one solution?

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Absolutely! The number of real solutions depends on the specific equation. Some polynomials have multiple real solutions, others have just one (like this problem), and some have no real solutions at all.

Why is factoring better than other methods here?

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Factoring reveals the structure of the equation! It shows us exactly why x = 0 is a solution and helps us systematically find all possible solutions. Other methods like graphing might work, but factoring gives us the complete mathematical picture.

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