dividing polynomials: (x^4-1) / (x-1)

[april]

Hello, this is my 3rd ime taking a beginning Algegra class. For what ever reason I can't seem to retain the information and quite frankly math makes my head hurt and i want to cry. Could you please explain to me this problem. I think it is a trick question but i think all Algebra is tricky

(x^4-1) / (x-1)

the examples in my books does not give examples that resemble this only examples that look like (x^2 + x-12) / (x^2 - 3x)

the steps given in the examples are hard to relate to the question I need help understanding

Please help. April

[stapel_eliz]

It sounds like they forgot to cover how to factor a difference of squares.

The numerator can be restated as (x²) - 1². Factor this difference of squares, using the formula provided in the link above, and then use that formula again to factor the x² - 1 factor, since this equals x² - 1².

If you want to learn how to do the actual division, try here. The lesson will explain why you would first need to convert the numerator to the form x⁴ + 0x³ + 0x² + 0x - 1.

[little_dragon]

you have 2 memorize the formula: x^4-1=(x^2-1)(x^2+1)