It takes four steps to factor 48 - 3y 4 completely. Using complete sentences and the appropriate vocabulary, explain each of the four steps.

3 (2 - y) (2 + y) (4 + y²)

Step-by-step explanation:

48 - 3y⁴

Take 3 common:

3 (16 - y⁴)

16 is 4² and y⁴ is (y²) ²

3 (4² - (y²) ²)

Using a² - b² = (a - b) (a + b)

3 (4 - y²) (4 + y²)

Again, 4 = 2²

3 (2² - y²) (4 + y²)

3 (2 - y) (2 + y) (4 + y²)