a4-256=0
Add 256 to both sides of the equation.
a4=256
Take the 4th root of both sides of the equation to eliminate the exponent on the left side.
a=±2564
Simplify the right side of the equation.
Rewrite 256 as 44.
a=±444
Pull terms out from under the radical, assuming positive real numbers.
a=±4
a=±4
The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.
First, use the positive value of the ± to find the first solution.
a=4
Next, use the negative value of the ± to find the second solution.
a=-4
The complete solution is the result of both the positive and negative portions of the solution.
a=4,-4
a=4,-4
a=4,-4
Solve for a a^4-256=0