How to Factor Cube Expressions
- 1). Factor a cube expression containing the addition or subtraction of two cubes by using the sum of cubes formula or the difference of cubes formula. Simplify the answer as much as possible.
- 2). Factor the cube expression of x^3y^6 - 8. Note that x^3y^6 also equals (xy^2)^3 and 8 equals 2^3. Rewrite the expression: (xy^2)^3 - 2^3.
- 3). Decide what variable a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 -- ab + b^2) each part of the given information represents: a = xy^2 and b = 2. Substitute these figures into the formula: (xy^2 + 2)((xy^2)^2 - (xy^2)(2) + (2)^2). Simplify the expression: (xy^2 + 2) (x^2y^4 - 2xy^2 + 4).