Question

Factor the polynomial: x^7 - x^5

Answer 1

Answer:

d. x^5(x^2 - 1)

Step-by-step explanation:

x^7 - x^5

Factor out x^5

x^5(x^2−1)

Consider x^2−1. Rewrite x^2−1 as x^2−1^2. The difference of squares can be factored using the rule: a^2 - b^2 =(a−b)(a+b).

(x−1)(x+1)

Rewrite the complete factored expression.

x^5(x−1)(x+1)

Simplify.

(x^2 - 1)x^5

Swap terms to the left side.

x^5(x^2 - 1)

Answer 2

Answer: D. $x^{5} (x^{2} -1)$

Step-by-step explanation:  

x^5 (x^2-1)

x^5 (x^2-1^2)

x^5 (x+1)(x-1)