Sum and Difference of Cubes - Algebra 2

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Question

Factor .

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Answer

The key to solving this problem is noticing that there is something special about 8, , and 216; they are all cubes of different values (2, x, and 6). Therefore, we can apply the Sum of Cubes formula, which is:

In our case, a=2x and b=6. Plugging this in, we get

Because this is factored, our work here is done! Teachers often encourage students to use the acronym "SOAP" to help them solve Sum and Difference of Cubes problems. The acronym SOAP refers to the signs in the expanded/factored form. The first one is always the Same as in the original equation, the second one is always Opposite the original sign, and the final one is Always Positive no matter. Same, Opposite, Always Positive = SOAP.

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