Question

If you factor `x^3 — 8` in the form `(x — a)(x^2+bx+c)`, what is the value of `a`?

Answer 1

a = 2

Explanation:

Use the algebraic identity:
a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)
x^3 - 8 = (x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4)