What are the components of $$(x^6 - x^4 - x^5 - x^4 + x^2 - 4)$$

As (x - 1) and (x + 1) are given in options, let us check by substituting x = 1 and x = - 1.

Substitute x = 1 in the given equation.

x6 - x4 - x5 - x4 + x2 - 4 = 16 - 14 - 15 - 14 + 12 - 4 = - 5

Hence, (x - 1) is not a factor of the given equation.

Now,

Substitute x = - 1in the given equation.

x6 - x4 - x5 - x4 + x2 - 4 = (- 1)6 - (- 1)4 - (- 1)5 - (- 1)4 + (- 1)2 - 4 = - 3

∴ Neither (x - 1) or (x + 1) are the components of (x6 - x4 - x5 - x4 + x2 - 4).