How to factor this monster into two quadratics?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves factoring a polynomial expression, specifically 144t^{4}-288t^{3}+864t^{2}-720t+900, into two quadratic polynomials. The context is algebraic manipulation and polynomial factorization.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss simplifying the polynomial by dividing by constants, with suggestions to divide by 36 or 144. There are attempts to express the polynomial in a factored form, leading to considerations of setting up equations based on the product of two quadratics.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different simplification methods and discussing the implications of their approaches. Some guidance has been offered regarding setting up equations to solve for the coefficients of the quadratics, but there is no consensus on the best method or solution yet.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of concerns about the complexity of the problem, especially in relation to exam settings, and a desire to avoid using computational tools for factorization.

motornoob101
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Homework Statement



How to factor this monster? I am rather clueless
144t^{4}-288t^{3}+864t^{2}-720t+900

Homework Equations



Hint is given that you can get two quadratic polynomials out of it..

The Attempt at a Solution



I can always cheat by using Maple to factor but I don't want do it! I want learn how to do it.

Thanks for any help!
 
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Hi motornoob! :smile:

Well, for a start, you can divide by 36 to get:

4t^{4}\,-\,8t^{3}\,+\,24t^{2}\,-\,20t\,+\,25​

hmm … now to think … :frown:
 
Yeah I divided by 144 to get something smaller but the last number is like 6.25.. I said is no big deal.. but still, I can't factor this.
 
motornoob101 said:
Yeah I divided by 144 to get something smaller but the last number is like 6.25.. I said is no big deal.. but still, I can't factor this.

motornoob, there's no point in making fractions - the object is to simplify it!

Stick with mine:
4t^{4}\,-\,8t^{3}\,+\,24t^{2}\,-\,20t\,+\,25​

I think the best way to do this is just to write it as

(at^{2}\,+\,bt\,+\,c)(dt^{2}\,+\,et\,+\,f)\,,​

and just multiply it out, giving you five equations to solve.

(I've done it - you can more-or-less guess the right answer once you've done that.)

Have a go! :smile:
 
Five equations to solve huh. I sure hope they don't give us something like this on an exam, considering this part of an integration problem. Thanks so much for the help.
 

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