solving x^4+1=0 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to factor a polynomial equation without using complex numbers.

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🏭 Factoring polynomial equations can be done without using complex numbers by recognizing patterns and applying appropriate formulas.
• 🧑‍🏭 The equation x^4 + 1 = 0 can be factored as (x^2 - √2x + 1)(x^2 + √2x + 1) using the difference of two squares formula.
• ❓ The solutions to x^4 + 1 = 0 are (√2 + √2i)/2, (-√2 + √2i)/2, (√2 - √2i)/2, and (-√2 - √2i)/2.

Transcript

okay as we all know whenever i want to solve a polynomial equation one of the best strategies of course make one psi equal to zero and try to do factoring on the other side right however if you take a look at the equation x to the first power plus one is equal to zero let me tell you if you want to use waveform alpha to factor this unfortunately it... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can you factor the equation x^4 + 1 = 0 without using complex numbers?

The first method involves recognizing a sum of two squares and applying the difference of two squares formula. By adding 2 times x^2 and 1, and then subtracting it, we can factor the equation as (x^2 - √2x + 1)(x^2 + √2x + 1).

Q: What are the solutions to the equation x^4 + 1 = 0?

The solutions are x = (√2 + √2i)/2, x = (-√2 + √2i)/2, x = (√2 - √2i)/2, and x = (-√2 - √2i)/2.

Q: How does the second method of factoring use complex numbers?

The second method involves treating the equation as a difference of two squares and using the fact that i^2 = -1. By factoring x^4 - i^2 = 0, we get (x^2 - i)(x^2 + i) = 0.

Q: How can the square root of i be determined?

The square root of i can be found by treating it as a nested square root and considering the real part of i (0) and the imaginary part (√-1). By applying the proper manipulation, the square root of i is found to be ±(√2/2 + √2i/2).

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video demonstrates two methods to factor the equation x^4 + 1 = 0 without resorting to complex numbers.

• The first method involves recognizing a sum of two squares and applying the difference of two squares formula.

• The second method utilizes complex numbers and a nested square root to find the factors of the equation.