Question

How do you factor `2x^3+54`?

Answer 1

`2x^3 + 54 = 2(x +3)(x^2 -3x +9)`

Explanation:

First take out the common factor of 2
`2(x^3 +27)`
Then recognize this as the sum of cubes. To factor cubes, memorize the expression `a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 – ab + b^2)`
Then `2x^3 + 54 = 2(x +3)(x^2 -3x +9)`