# X^3/2 - 2x^-1/2 + x^1/2 Help! Factoring!

1. Nov 1, 2013

### Hierophant

I'm looking to factor this...

X^3/2 - 2x^-1/2 + x^1/2

The text book offers the solution 1-x ^4/3

No idea how to get this result. I got X ^-3/2 (x-1)^2
I would like it if someone could shed light on how to factor x^-3/2 from things like 2x ^1/2
I assume you just keep the equation balance, so if you re-distribute everything, it reverts to the original.

I would like to know how you get the answer too.

Thanks so much!

2. Nov 1, 2013

### Seydlitz

Maybe you can do substitution, say $u = x^{1/2}$?

3. Nov 2, 2013

### pwsnafu

Both look wrong

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 2, 2013
4. Nov 2, 2013

### Student100

So why are you looking to factor this, what exactly are you trying to obtain???

Also this should go in homework help, fyi.

edit:
Pwan just gave your answer, but is this what you're even looking for?

Last edited: Nov 2, 2013
5. Nov 2, 2013

### Hierophant

To my delight and perhaps also not to my delight, I got the correct answer, but used the wrong answer key. Sorry guys, wont happen again.

Also sorry for posting in the wrong section, I was rather fatigued at the moment of posting.

Im just going to go sit in the corner now.

6. Nov 2, 2013

### Hierophant

To my delight and perhaps also not to my delight, I got the correct answer, but used the wrong answer key. Sorry guys, wont happen again.

Also sorry for posting in the wrong section, I was rather fatigued at the moment of posting.

Im just going to go sit in the corner now.