Aim: How do we solve polynomial equations with exponents higher ...

Aim: How do we solve polynomial equations with exponents higher than 2? Do Now: Given the equation: 1. x4 - 3x2 + 2 = 0 (a) Replace x2 with the letter a. How can this equation be rewritten? (b) Solve for a by factoring

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A polynomial equation to the nth power will have n roots

Note: Some roots will be repeated

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Strategy I: Pattern recognition

1. Set the equation equal to 0 2. This is really x2 being squared and to a power of one, look for this pattern! 3. Make a substitution: x2 = a 4. Now, factor to find roots 5. Don't stop when you find a! Remember that a = x2 6. Replace a with x2 to find the answers to the original equation

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Exit Slip and Closing Problem

1. Solve for x: x4 - 3x2 + 2 = 0 Homework: Complete the Unit 5 Review Guide

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