Re: Factoring with TI 92
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Re: Factoring with TI 92
gpjl wrote:
> Hello. On the TI-92, is it possible to factor equations in two
> variables? For example, will the TI-92 factor :
>
> x^2 + xy + y^2 as (x +y) (x +y)?
>
> or x^2y^2 + 7xy + 12 as (xy + 3) (xy +4)?
>
> If you know how this can be done, please email me. I will be very
> interested in your reply.
>
The TI-92 will factor incredibly complex expressions (not equations),
ones which an unaided human would probably not be able to figure
out. But it will not factor x^2 + x*y + y^2 , as you wish. To see why,
try entering expand((x+y)^2) .
In fact, x^2 + x*y + y^2 is algebraically prime (over the real numbers).
You might think from this that x^4 + x^2*y^2 + y^4 should also be prime.
But it's not! Try feeding this to your TI-92.
NOTE: Just enter factor( whatever ) to ask the TI92 for a factorization.
RWW Taylor
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester NY 14623
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