how to factor

x^4 - 2x^3 - 8x + 16

Thanks.

you can factor by grouping wich is to divide the equation into two pieces
1)x^4-2x^3 -8x+16
2)now factor this two
x^3(x-2)-8(x-2)
3)you will get x^3-8 and x-2
4)factor x^3-8

To factor the expression x^4 - 2x^3 - 8x + 16, we can use the method of grouping.

1) First, we group the terms in pairs:
x^4 - 2x^3 - 8x + 16

2) Next, we factor out the common factors from each group:
x^3(x - 2) - 8(x - 2)

3) Now, we have a common factor of (x - 2) for both terms. We can factor them out:
(x^3 - 8)(x - 2)

4) Finally, we simplify the expression x^3 - 8 further. This will be a difference of cubes:
(x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4)

So, the factored form of the expression x^4 - 2x^3 - 8x + 16 is (x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4).