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To solve this polynomial equation, we'll follow these steps:
Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: Factor out the Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
The given equation is .
Both terms share a common factor of . Factoring out this common factor, we get:
Step 2: Solve the factored equation
We now have two factors: and . Set each factor to zero to find possible solutions:
Step 3: Verification
Substitute and back into the original equation to verify:
The correct choice from the given options is .
Therefore, the solution to the problem is .
Break down the expression into basic terms:
\( 2x^2 \)
Look for the largest coefficient that divides both numbers and the lowest power of each variable. In , the GCF is 3 (divides 12 and 3) times x³ (lowest power), giving .
Factoring creates a product equal to zero. By the zero product property, if , then either A = 0 or B = 0. This turns one complex equation into two simple ones!
Constants like 3 can never equal zero, so ignore pure number factors. Only set factors with variables equal to zero. That's why we solve and , not .
The degree of the polynomial tells you the maximum number of solutions. Since this is degree 4, expect up to 4 solutions. However, repeated roots like (which appears 3 times from ) count as one unique solution.
Yes, always show your work! Write out: identify the GCF, factor it out, set each factor to zero, and solve each equation separately. This helps you avoid mistakes and makes your solution easy to follow.
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