Question

How do you factor `a^3 + b^3 + a + b`?

Answer 1

`a^3+b^3+a+b = (a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)+(a+b)`

`=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2+1)`

Explanation:

Use the sum of cubes identity:

`a^3+b^3 = (a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)`