How do you factor #2x^3+16 #?

1 Answer
EZ as pi
Aug 25, 2016

#2(x^3+8) = 2(x+2)(x^2-2x+4)#

Explanation:

Always look for a common factor first.

Both terms can be divided by 2.

#2(x^3+8)#

Both #x^3 and 8# are cube numbers. The sum or difference of cubes can be factored according to:

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

#2(x^3+8) = 2(x+2)(x^2-2x+4)#

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