Advanced Math practice question

Answer: A. 2

x⁴ − 16 = (x² + 4)(x² − 4) = (x² + 4)(x − 2)(x + 2). The quadratic x² + 4 has no real roots, leaving two linear factors.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. 4

Four would require x² + 4 to split further, but it has no real roots.

C. 1

Both (x − 2) and (x + 2) appear — two distinct linear factors.

D. 0

x² − 4 does factor into linear pieces: (x − 2)(x + 2).

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