a^4-a^2-42=

Solution for a^4-a^2-42= equation:

Simplifying
a4 + -1a2 + -42 = 0

Reorder the terms:
-42 + -1a2 + a4 = 0

Solving
-42 + -1a2 + a4 = 0

Solving for variable 'a'.

Factor a trinomial.
(-6 + -1a2)(7 + -1a2) = 0

Subproblem 1
Set the factor '(-6 + -1a2)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
-6 + -1a2 = 0

Solving
-6 + -1a2 = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '6' to each side of the equation.
-6 + 6 + -1a2 = 0 + 6

Combine like terms: -6 + 6 = 0
0 + -1a2 = 0 + 6
-1a2 = 0 + 6

Combine like terms: 0 + 6 = 6
-1a2 = 6

Divide each side by '-1'.
a2 = -6

Simplifying
a2 = -6

The solution to this equation could not be determined.

This subproblem is being ignored because a solution could not be determined.
Subproblem 2
Set the factor '(7 + -1a2)' equal to zero and attempt to solve:

Simplifying
7 + -1a2 = 0

Solving
7 + -1a2 = 0

Move all terms containing a to the left, all other terms to the right.

Add '-7' to each side of the equation.
7 + -7 + -1a2 = 0 + -7

Combine like terms: 7 + -7 = 0
0 + -1a2 = 0 + -7
-1a2 = 0 + -7

Combine like terms: 0 + -7 = -7
-1a2 = -7

Divide each side by '-1'.
a2 = 7

Simplifying
a2 = 7

Take the square root of each side:
a = {-2.645751311, 2.645751311}
Solution
a = {-2.645751311, 2.645751311}