To determine the factors of the polynomial x² + 20, we first look at its structure. This polynomial is a sum of squares, and it does not factor nicely over the real numbers.
The expression can be checked for possible rational factors using the Rational Root Theorem or by trying to factor it directly.
The polynomial x² + 20 can be rewritten as (x – i√20)(x + i√20) if we include complex numbers, where i is the imaginary unit. However, since we typically focus on real factors in basic algebra, we can conclude that there are no real factors as it cannot be expressed as a product of linear factors with real coefficients.
So, if looking for integer factors or factors within the real number system, x² + 20 has no such factors.