Factorization and Simplifying.

1. Aug 24, 2011

AstrophysicsX

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Use Factorization to simplify the given expression.

2. Relevant equations
(x^3 + 3x^2 + 3x +1)/(x^4 + x^3 + x + 1)

3. The attempt at a solution
I cant get to the first step. I forgot how to factor exponents higher than x^2.

2. Aug 24, 2011

LCKurtz

Think about the binomial expansion of (a+b)3. Also you can check for roots using synthetic division. And remember a root x = r corresponds to a factor of x-r.

3. Aug 24, 2011

stonecoldgen

Theorem of the factor.

You can probably simplify the upper and the lower part, maybe even cancel out some stuff...

4. Aug 24, 2011

AstrophysicsX

But how to do that is the problem.

5. Aug 24, 2011

Dick

If x=(-1) then the numerator and denominator are both 0. That means (x-(-1))=(x+1) is a common factor of the numerator and denominator. Now start factoring it out.

6. Aug 25, 2011

Staff: Mentor

As others have pointed out, x=-1 is a "solution" to the numerator (equaling zero). So this tells you that (x+1) is a factor of the numerator. So what is the other factor?

If you don't like doing division, you can solve by doing multiplication. To start with, let's look at just the numerator:

x3 + 3x2 + 3x + 1 = (x+1)(x2 + Mx + C)

Multiply the right hand side to remove the brackets, and equate the coefficients on each side to determine the values of the unknowns M and C.