How do i factor x squared + 1/x squared - 2

 

put a turbo on it.

 

I've completely forgotten how to do this Is that Calc I?

 

x^2 + 1/x^2 - 2

is the same as :

x^4 - 2x^2 + 1

after you multiply every term by x^2.

Then that is just a perfect square so when youfactor it you get

(x^2-1)(x^2-1)

which is two differnece of squares which gives:
(x+1)(x-1)(x+1)(x-1)

Hope that helps.

 

 

So you just square each term right?

 

College Algebra

 

No, you multiply each term by "x^2"

x^2 becomes x^4

1/x^2 becomes 1

-2 becomes -2x^2

 

That's why I don't remember it. That's like Junior year of HS.

I thought I remembered doing factoring in Calc I?

 

This shit is too hard