Question

What is the complete factorization of the polynomial below? x3 + 4x2 + 16x + 64

Answer 1

Answer: (x+4) ( x-4i)(x+4i)

Discussion:

Factor the polynomial:

x^3+4x^2+16x+64 =  (x +4 ) ( x^2 + 16)     (*)

Factor x^2 +1 6 over the complex numbers:

x^2 + 16 = (x -4i)(x+4i)                               (**)

Combing (*) and (**) gives the full factorization

(x+4) ( x-4i)(x+4i)