Solve x⁴ - 20x² + 64 = 0
The solutions of x⁴ - 20x² + 64 = 0 are x = -4, -2, 2, 4.
How to work it out
- 1
A quartic has up to 4 real roots. The rational root theorem says that any integer root of a polynomial with integer coefficients and leading coefficient 1 divides the constant term 64, so the candidates are ±1, ±2, ±4, ±8, ±16, ±32, ±64.
- 2
Test the candidates until one gives 0. x = 2 is a root. Divide by (x − 2) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 3
x = -2 is a root. Divide by (x + 2) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 4
What is left is the quadratic x² - 16 = 0. Solve it (factoring or the quadratic formula):
- 5
So the polynomial factors as
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ x^{4} - 20x^{2} + 64 = (x + 4)(x + 2)(x - 2)(x - 4) = 0 \]
\[ x^{4} - 20x^{2} + 64 = 0 \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|ccccc} 2 & 1 & 0 & -20 & 0 & 64 \\ & 0 & 2 & 4 & -32 & -64 \\ \hline & 1 & 2 & -16 & -32 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|cccc} -2 & 1 & 2 & -16 & -32 \\ & 0 & -2 & 0 & 32 \\ \hline & 1 & 0 & -16 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ x^{2} - 16 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 4,\ -4 \]
\[ x^{4} - 20x^{2} + 64 = (x + 4)(x + 2)(x - 2)(x - 4) \]Candidates tested (computed)
| Candidate x | p(x) | Root? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45 | no |
| -1 | 45 | no |
| 2 | 0 | root |
Vieta's formulas check the answer (computed)
| Relation | From the roots | From the coefficients |
|---|---|---|
| Sum of the roots | 0 | 0 |
| Product of the roots | 64 | 64 |
Questions
What are the roots of x⁴ - 20x² + 64 = 0?
The solutions of x⁴ - 20x² + 64 = 0 are x = -4, -2, 2, 4.
How do you factor x⁴ - 20x² + 64?
(x + 4)(x + 2)(x − 2)(x − 4).
What is the sum of the roots?
0 (it equals −0 by Vieta's formulas).