Factoring polynomials? Help?

Question

Here are the problems I need help on: http://i33.tinypic.com/wbwdfn.jpg

I had to post it in a picture because I don't know how to type powers, I don't want it to be confusing. Anyway, I know how to factor like regular polynomials (http://i38.tinypic.com/33bg8bn.jpg) but I'm having trouble with these. HELLPP :)

Answer 1

Treat them the same way you would in the form you are familiar with.

aX^2 + bX + c (X^2 would mean 'X to power of 2').  

1. 1 - x^2y^4 = 1 + 0*(xy^2) - x^2y^4

                   = (1 + xy^2) * (1 - xy^2)

2. 12x^4 - 12 = 12*(x^4 - 1)

                    = 12 * (x^4 + 0*(x^2) - 1)

                    = 12 * (x^2 + 1) * (x^2 - 1)

                    = 12 * (x^2 + 1) * (x + 1) * (x - 1)

3. 4c^2 - 24c + 36 = 4 * (c^2 - 6c + 9)

                           = 4 * (c - 3) * (c - 3)

                           = 4 * (c - 3)^2