(x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7

4 min read Jun 17, 2024
(x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7

Factoring and Exploring the Polynomial (x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7

This article delves into the intriguing polynomial expression (x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7 and explores its factorization and some interesting properties.

Expanding the Expression

First, let's expand the expression by multiplying the factors:

(x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7 = (x² - 1)(x² + 8x + 15) + 7

Expanding further:

= x⁴ + 8x³ + 14x² + 8x - 8 + 7

= x⁴ + 8x³ + 14x² + 8x - 1

Factoring the Expression

While the expression appears complex, it's not easily factorable using traditional methods. However, we can use a clever trick to simplify it.

Let's consider the expression:

x² + 4x + 3 = (x+1)(x+3)

Now, notice that our original expression can be rewritten as:

(x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7 = + 7

Now, we can substitute (x² + 4x + 3) with the factored form:

= [(x+1)(x+3) - 4] [(x+1)(x+3) + 2] + 7

= (x+1)²(x+3)² - 2(x+1)(x+3) + 1

This expression looks much simpler and can be factored using the quadratic formula:

Let y = (x+1)(x+3)

Then the expression becomes:

y² - 2y + 1 = (y-1)²

Substituting back:

= [(x+1)(x+3) - 1]²

= (x² + 4x + 2)²

Properties and Analysis

Now that we've factored the expression, we can analyze some of its properties:

  • Roots: The polynomial has a double root at x = -2 ± √2. This means the graph touches the x-axis at these points but does not cross it.
  • Symmetry: The graph of the polynomial is symmetric about the line x = -2. This is because the expression is a perfect square.
  • Minimum Value: The polynomial has a minimum value at x = -2, which is 0. This is because the square of any real number is always non-negative.

Conclusion

The expression (x-1)(x+1)(x+3)(x+5)+7, although initially appearing complex, can be simplified and factored into a perfect square. This reveals its inherent symmetry and minimum value, highlighting the power of algebraic manipulation and the elegance of mathematical expressions.