Can I Factor Equations for Diff. Eq. Solving?

[Beez]

On my process of obtaining the IF for solving a differential equation, I got stuck with an equation as following. This could be a very simple algebra problem, but I just can't do it. Would someone tell me if I can factor the numerators by (x^4 + 1) for the first equation and by (x^4 -1) for the second equation so that I can have only x or y as a variable?

[(x^4 - 1) - (5*x^4 + 1)]/x*(x^4+1) = (-4*x^4 - 2)/x(x^4 + 1)
= -2(2*x^4 +1)/x(x^4 + 1)

[(5*x^4 + 1) - (x^4 - 1)]/y*(x^4-1) = (4x^4 + 2)/y(x^4 - 1)
=2(2*x^4 + 1)/y(x^4 - 1)

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[yourdadonapogostick]

could you use \LaTeX please. it is kinda hard to read without it.

 

[Beez]

OK, I got it. Please take look at the following.

[(x^4 - 1) - (5x^4+ 1)]/x(x^4+1) = (-4x^4 - 2)/x(x^4 + 1)
= -2(2x^4 +1)/x(x^4+ 1)

[(5x^4 + 1) - (x^4 - 1)]/y(x^4-1) = (4x^4 + 2)/y(x^4- 1)
=2(2x^4+ 1)/y(x^4 - 1)

Thanks for your suggestion. I always wanted to know how to type x^2 for x^2.

 

[yourdadonapogostick]

ur kidding, right? one exponent isn't enough(especially without the x )