Chapter 6: Problem 7
Factor completely. If the polynomial is not factorable, write prime. $$ 16 w^{2}-169 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polynomial factors as \((4w - 13)(4w + 13)\).
Step by step solution
01
Recognize the Format
Notice that the given polynomial is in the form of a difference of squares, which is a special type of polynomial that can be factored using the formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\). In this exercise, we need to identify \(a^2\) and \(b^2\).
02
Identify the Squares
The expression \(16w^2\) is a perfect square where \(a^2 = (4w)^2\). Similarly, \(169\) is a perfect square where \(b^2 = 13^2\). So, \(a = 4w\) and \(b = 13\).
03
Apply Difference of Squares Formula
Using the difference of squares formula \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\), substitute \(a = 4w\) and \(b = 13\). The expression \(16w^2 - 169\) factors into \((4w - 13)(4w + 13)\).
04
Verify the Factorization
To ensure our factorization is correct, multiply the factors \((4w - 13)(4w + 13)\) using the distributive property (FOIL method): \(4w \cdot 4w + 4w \cdot 13 - 13 \cdot 4w - 13 \cdot 13 = 16w^2 - 169\). This confirms that the factorization is correct.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials is an essential skill in algebra that involves breaking down a polynomial into simpler terms, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original polynomial. This process is crucial for solving polynomial equations and simplifying expressions.
- Recognize standard formats: Before you can factor a polynomial, you need to identify its structure. Is it a simple trinomial? A difference of squares? Each type has its own factoring strategy.
- Factor completely: Always aim to factor a polynomial entirely. Sometimes this involves recognizing smaller degrees of polynomials within the expression. Continuously break it down until no further simple factors can be identified.
- Use special formulas: There are formulas like the difference of squares formula that accelerate the process. For example, if you detect a polynomial is configured as a difference of squares, you can directly apply \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\).
Perfect Squares
Perfect squares are integral when factoring polynomials, especially in expressions that involve the difference of squares. A perfect square is a number or expression that can be expressed as the square of another number or expression.
- Identification: To use perfect squares in factoring, recognize expressions like \(16w^2\) or \(169\). Notice 16 and 169 are perfect squares because \(16 = 4^2\) and \(169 = 13^2\).
- Use in differences: When dealing with the difference of squares, like in the given problem, identify the perfect squares first. This simplifies the factorization process.
- Applications beyond: Understanding perfect squares extends beyond just algebra. In geometry, perfect square concepts apply in areas like calculating areas of square shapes.
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial factorization involves expressing a polynomial as a product of its factors. This can simplify solving equations and understanding polynomial behavior.
- Difference of Squares: A specific case in polynomial factorization is the difference of squares, which involves identifying \(a^2 - b^2\) patterns. By knowing \(a\) and \(b\), you can quickly factor the polynomial using \((a - b)(a + b)\).
- Verification step: Once you factor a polynomial, it’s crucial to verify by multiplying the factors back together to ensure they yield the original polynomial. This is a good practice to confirm accuracy.
- Connection to real-world problems: Polynomial factorization isn’t solely an academic exercise. Engineers and scientists often use these methods in areas as diverse as structural analysis and signal processing.