Question

How do you factor `x^3+8y^3`?

Answer 1

`(x + 2y)(x^2 – 2xy + 4y^2)`

Explanation:

This is a difference of cubes so use the formula:

`a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 – ab + b^2)`

`x^3 + 8y^3 = (x + 2y)(x^2 – x2y + 2^2y^2)`

`= (x + 2y)(x^2 – 2xy + 4y^2)`