Factor: Y to the 4th power -81

1. Dec 31, 2007

mcrfan

2. Dec 31, 2007

mcrfan

oh and also 3x^2-6x-24

3. Dec 31, 2007

mcrfan

*tear

4. Dec 31, 2007

mcrfan

5. Dec 31, 2007

mcrfan

w/e I thought this was a help site

6. Dec 31, 2007

ice109

i'll give you a hint since no one else will it's a difference of perfect squares

7. Jan 1, 2008

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Yes, it is. Do you understand what "help" is? Did you bother to READ the file you were required to read when you registered? Did you read the part that says home-work must be posted on the "Homework" site? Did you read the part that says you MUST attempt the problem yourself so that we can see what kind of help you need. "Help" does not mean giving you the answer.

For the first, as ice109 said, $Y^4- 81$ can be written in the form $x^2- a^2$ for correct values of x and a. Do you know the simple formula for $x^2- a^2$?

As for the second, $3x^2-6x-24$, the only way to factor $3x^2$ is (3x)(x). There are several ways to factor 24, what are they? Do you know how to use that information to find the factors of $3x^2-6x-24$? I find it hard to believe that you were given a problem like this with no instruction or examples beforehand.

8. Jan 1, 2008

arildno

Do you think we are computers or something?
In the space of 10 minutes you send off 5 requests.

Do you think we are sitting here just yearning to read exactly your post, and then in jubilation answer it the second it arrives?

9. Jan 1, 2008

New Years?