Factor a^3-2a^2+5^a, x^4y-4x^2y^2 +5xy^ (Terribly confused)

[PMR]

I'm having problems factoring the following equations.

for example a^3-2a^2+5^a

x^4y-4x^2y^2 +5xy^

I don't want the answer, I just need to know how to do it

[stapel_eliz]

a^3-2a^2+5^a

I will guess that this expression is meant to be "a³ - 2a² + 5a"...? If so, then the first step is to take the common factor out front.

. . . . .Simple Factoring

Then you need to try to factor the resulting quadratic, a² - 2a + 5.

. . . . .Factoring Quadratics

(It's prime, actually, but you probably need to show and state that fact for your answer to be correct.)

x^4y-4x^2y^2 +5xy^

I'm sorry, but I can't guess what this expression likely is...? The missing exponent at the end leaves too many possibilities.

Please study the two lessons provided above, and then attempt the exercises. If you get stuck, please reply with a clear listing of your work and reasoning, along with clarification of the second expression.

Thank you!

Eliz.