Example

Solving 16y2=32y3+2y16y^2 = 32y^3 + 2y by Factoring

Solve the polynomial equation 16y2=32y3+2y16y^2 = 32y^3 + 2y using factoring and the Zero Product Property.

Step 1 — Write in standard form. Subtract 16y216y^2 from both sides so that one side equals zero. Rearrange in descending order: 32y316y2+2y=032y^3 - 16y^2 + 2y = 0

Step 2 — Factor the greatest common factor. All terms share a common factor of 2y2y. Factor it out: 2y(16y28y+1)=02y(16y^2 - 8y + 1) = 0

Step 3 — Factor the trinomial. The resulting trinomial is a perfect square trinomial: 2y(4y1)(4y1)=02y(4y - 1)(4y - 1) = 0

Step 4 — Apply the Zero Product Property. Set each variable factor equal to zero: 2y=0or4y1=0or4y1=02y = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad 4y - 1 = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad 4y - 1 = 0

Step 5 — Solve each equation: y=0ory=14ory=14y = 0 \quad \text{or} \quad y = \frac{1}{4} \quad \text{or} \quad y = \frac{1}{4}

The distinct solutions are y=0y = 0 and y=14y = \frac{1}{4}.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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