MHB Factor a^4+b^4: Simplify \(a^4 + b^4 \)

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The discussion focuses on simplifying the expression \( \frac{a^4+b^4}{a^2+b^2} \) while ensuring no powers higher than two are present. It highlights that \( a^4 + b^4 \) can be factored as \( (a^2 + \sqrt{2} ab + b^2)(a^2 - \sqrt{2} ab + b^2) \), which does not allow for cancellation with the denominator \( a^2 + b^2 \). Participants note that while \( a^2 + b^2 \) does not factor over the reals, \( a^4 + b^4 \) does, and suggest alternative factorizations like \( (a^2+b^2)^2-2a^2b^2 \). The conversation concludes that the ability to factor depends on whether one is working over the complexes. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limitations of factoring in relation to the desired simplification.
Dustinsfl
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I am trying to write
\[
\frac{a^4+b^4}{a^2+b^2}
\]
with nothing higher than a power of two.

I know \(a^2+b^2 = (a + ib)(a - ib)\) and \(a^4 + b^4 = (a^2 + ib^2)(a^2 - ib^2)\), but I am to take the numerator down in farther in hopes of some cancelling in the denominator.
 
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It's a little-known fact that while $x^{2}+y^{2}$ does not factor over the reals, $x^{4}+y^{4}$ does. In fact,
$$x^{4}+y^{4}=(x^{2}+ \sqrt{2} xy+y^{2})(x^{2}- \sqrt{2} xy+y^{2}).$$
 
Ackbach said:
It's a little-known fact that while $x^{2}+y^{2}$ does not factor over the reals, $x^{4}+y^{4}$ does. In fact,
$$x^{4}+y^{4}=(x^{2}+ \sqrt{2} xy+y^{2})(x^{2}- \sqrt{2} xy+y^{2}).$$

So there won't be any cancelling. Since it ask for powers less than two, I could use my factoring just as well then?
 
dwsmith said:
So there won't be any cancelling. Since it ask for powers less than two, I could use my factoring just as well then?

Sure. If you factor the numerator the way I have described, there won't be any powers written that are higher than $2$.
 
Ackbach said:
Sure. If you factor the numerator the way I have described, there won't be any powers written that are higher than $2$.

I could also factor the numerator the way I factored it too. If not, why?
 
Perhaps use $(a^2+b^2)^2-2a^2b^2$?
 
dwsmith said:
I could also factor the numerator the way I factored it too. If not, why?

Well, that would depend on whether you can factor over the complexes or not. If you can factor over the complexes, then you're fine. Otherwise, if you're going to factor, you'd have to use "my" factorization.
 
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