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Homework Statement
factorise the following as far as possible
1) [tex]x^3 + y^3[/tex]
2) [tex]x^4 + x^3 - 3x^2 - 4x - 4[/tex]
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
1) Not quite sure really what to do, lol, only just been taught how to divide polynominals, and the factor and remainder theorem. Havn't been taught how to factorise this case yet. I'm not sure how I could work out the answer myself. I've tried a few ways but they don't lead anywhere :S.
Any help?
2) I was thinking of rearranging it into [tex]x^4 - 3x^2 - 4 + x^3 - 4x[/tex]. This way I could maybe solve the first half but substituting [tex]x^2 = y[/tex] in so get rid of the 4th degree, and then solve the bit on the right after? or would that just plain not work. Other than that I have no ideas :S.
Any help?
thanks