- #1
agoogler
- 81
- 0
Homework Statement
p(x) = x^4+10x^3+26x^2+10x+1
p(x) = a(x)b(x) where a(x) and b(x) are quadratic polynomials with integer coefficients. It is given that b(1) > a(1). Find a(3) + b(2).
Homework Equations
p(x) = x^4+10x^3+26x^2+10x+1
The Attempt at a Solution
I tried to factor the given quartic but failed . Then I used wolfram-alpha and found that the factors are -
a](1+4x+x^2) and b](1+6x+x^2)
Now the problem is really easy to solve after this ( just evaluating a] at 3 and b] at 2 and adding the results equals 39 which is the correct answer ) , But I want to know how to factor that quartic into two quadratics . Please give hints.