Steps to factoring this x^3 - 8 ?
I'm only used to factoring out the x when the x is in the equation like x^ + x + x
(X*X*X)- 8
This is a difference of cubes.
It should be in your text or notes.
= (x-2)(x^2 + 2x + 4)
(test it by expanding my answer)
To factor the expression x^3 - 8, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the type of factoring involved.
In this case, we have a difference of cubes. The given expression can be written as (x)^3 - 2^3, where a = x and b = 2.
Step 2: Apply the formula for factoring a difference of cubes.
The formula for factoring a^3 - b^3 is (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2).
Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula.
Using the formula, our expression becomes (x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4).
Therefore, the factored form of x^3 - 8 is (x - 2)(x^2 + 2x + 4).
It's important to note that factoring requires practice and familiarity with different factoring techniques. In this case, recognizing the difference of cubes pattern was crucial.