Factoring (x+1)(x-1)(x-3)(x-5)+12
This problem involves factoring a polynomial expression with a specific structure. We can use a clever manipulation to simplify the factorization process. Here's how:
1. Rearranging the terms:
Notice that the first four terms are the product of four consecutive differences: (x+1)(x-1)(x-3)(x-5). Let's rearrange the terms:
(x+1)(x-1)(x-3)(x-5) + 12 = [(x+1)(x-5)][(x-1)(x-3)] + 12
2. Expanding and simplifying:
Now, expand the products within the brackets:
[(x+1)(x-5)][(x-1)(x-3)] + 12 = (x² - 4x - 5)(x² - 4x + 3) + 12
3. Substitution:
To make the expression easier to work with, let's substitute y = x² - 4x. This gives us:
(x² - 4x - 5)(x² - 4x + 3) + 12 = (y - 5)(y + 3) + 12
4. Factoring the quadratic:
Now we have a simple quadratic expression:
(y - 5)(y + 3) + 12 = y² - 2y - 15 + 12 = y² - 2y - 3
This quadratic factors easily:
y² - 2y - 3 = (y - 3)(y + 1)
5. Back-substituting:
Substitute y = x² - 4x back into the equation:
(y - 3)(y + 1) = (x² - 4x - 3)(x² - 4x + 1)
Therefore, the factored form of (x+1)(x-1)(x-3)(x-5)+12 is (x² - 4x - 3)(x² - 4x + 1).