Chapter 6: Problem 27
Factor the given expressions completely. $$64-x^{6}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\((2-x)(4+2x+x^2)(2+x)(4-2x+x^2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Form of the Expression
The expression given is \(64 - x^6\). This suggests a difference of squares, since \(64\) is a perfect square \((8)^2\) and \(x^6\) can be written as \((x^3)^2\). Hence, the expression is a difference of squares \(a^2 - b^2\), where \(a = 8\) and \(b = x^3\).
02
Apply the Difference of Squares Formula
The difference of squares formula states: \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\). Applying this formula to our expression: \(64 - x^6 = (8 + x^3)(8 - x^3)\).
03
Check for Further Factoring
Look at the factors \(8 + x^3\) and \(8 - x^3\) to see if they can be factored further. The expression \(8 - x^3\) is a difference of cubes, and \(8 + x^3\) is a sum of cubes.
04
Factor the Difference of Cubes
Use the formula for the difference of cubes: \(a^3 - b^3 = (a-b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)\). For \(8 - x^3\), let \(a = 2\) and \(b = x\). This gives: \[8 - x^3 = (2-x)(4+2x+x^2).\]
05
Factor the Sum of Cubes
Use the formula for the sum of cubes: \(a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)\). For \(8 + x^3\), let \(a = 2\) and \(b = x\). This gives: \[8 + x^3 = (2+x)(4-2x+x^2).\]
06
Write the Completely Factored Expression
Combine the factored terms together. The complete factorization of \(64 - x^6\) is: \[(2-x)(4+2x+x^2)(2+x)(4-2x+x^2).\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Difference of Squares
The concept of the difference of squares is a foundational topic in algebra. It involves expressions in the form of \(a^2 - b^2\), where both \(a\) and \(b\) are squared terms. The beauty of this concept lies in its factorization simplicity using the formula:
- \(a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)\)
Difference of Cubes
When confronted with an expression that's a difference of cubes, the factorization takes a unique yet fascinating approach. The formula for the difference of cubes is:
- \(a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)\)
- \((2 - x)(4 + 2x + x^2)\)
Sum of Cubes
The sum of cubes might seem challenging, but it also has a straightforward formula like the difference of cubes. The formulas help break down the problem into smaller, workable parts:
- \(a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)\)
- \((2 + x)(4 - 2x + x^2)\)
Perfect Squares
Perfect squares emerge when a number or expression is multiplied by itself. Recognizing perfect squares is crucial, especially when identifying factorization patterns like the difference or sum of squares.
- Common examples include expressions like \(a^2\), where \(a\) is any real number or variable
- 64 is a perfect square since \(8^2 = 64\)