College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter R - Section R.5 - Factoring Polynomials - R.5 Exercises - Page 58: 89

Answer

The trinomial is prime.

Work Step by Step

With a leading coefficient of $1$, the trinomial can be factored only if there exists factors of the constant term $(16)$ whose sum is equal to the numerical coefficient of the middle term ($4$). However, $16$ has no factors whose sum is $4$. Thus, the trinomial is prime.
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