If I have to "evaluate" the equation and the remaining answer is x^(4) + 2x^(2) + x
(this was just an example)
to evaluate would I factor it if I could (for any problem)?
Evaluate usually means substituting variables by known values.
In the above example, one would
"x^(4) + 2x^(2) + x when x=2"
The answer would then be
2^4+2x^2+2
=16+8+2
=26
To evaluate an equation means to find the value of the expression when given specific values for the variables involved. In the case of the equation you provided, which is x^4 + 2x^2 + x, evaluating it typically involves substituting a numerical value for the variable x.
Factoring is a technique used to break down an expression into its factors to simplify or solve it. However, factoring may not always be the most efficient method for evaluating an equation because it is meant for solving equations rather than calculating specific values.
To evaluate the equation x^4 + 2x^2 + x, you would choose a specific value for x, substitute it into the equation, and perform the necessary calculations to obtain the result. For example, if you choose x = 2, you would substitute 2 for x in the equation:
(2^4) + 2(2^2) + 2 = 16 + 2(4) + 2 = 16 + 8 + 2 = 26
So, when x = 2, the value of the equation x^4 + 2x^2 + x is equal to 26.