Example

Factoring 7xy57xy7xy^5 - 7xy

Factor 7xy57xy7xy^5 - 7xy completely.

First, extract the greatest common factor. Both terms share a numerical factor of 77 and variable factors xx and yy. The GCF is 7xy7xy. Factoring it out gives: 7xy(y41)7xy(y^4 - 1)

The resulting binomial is a difference of squares: y4=(y2)2y^4 = (y^2)^2 and 1=121 = 1^2. Factor it as a product of conjugates: 7xy(y21)(y2+1)7xy(y^2 - 1)(y^2 + 1)

Next, verify if either binomial can be factored further. The first binomial, y21y^2 - 1, is another difference of squares, while y2+1y^2 + 1 is a sum of squares. Factor y21y^2 - 1 to get the completely factored form: 7xy(y1)(y+1)(y2+1)7xy(y - 1)(y + 1)(y^2 + 1)

Verify the result by multiplying the factors.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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