Chapter 8: Problem 61
Factor. \((a-b)^{3}+27\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The expression is factored as \((a-b+3)(a^2 - 2ab + b^2 - 3a + 3b + 9)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Structure
The expression \((a-b)^3 + 27\) fits the form \(x^3 + y^3\), where \(x = (a-b)\) and \(y = 3\), because \(27\) is \(3^3\). We will use the sum of cubes identity to factor it.
02
Recall the Formula for Sum of Cubes
The formula to factor the sum of cubes \(x^3 + y^3\) is \( (x+y)(x^2 - xy + y^2) \). This will be our guide to solve the expression.
03
Substitute Values and Factor
Substitute \(x = (a-b)\) and \(y = 3\) into the sum of cubes formula: \[ (a-b)^3 + 27 = ((a-b) + 3)((a-b)^2 - (a-b) imes 3 + 3^2). \]
04
Simplify Each Part
Calculate and simplify each part of the factored form:1. \((a-b) + 3 = a-b+3\).2. \((a-b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2\).3. \(-(a-b) \times 3 = -3a + 3b\).4. \(3^2 = 9\).Combine to form:\[(a-b)^3 + 27 = (a-b+3)(a^2 - 2ab + b^2 - 3a + 3b + 9).\]
05
Combine and Final Simplification
The expression inside the second set of parentheses is simplified:\[ a^2 - 2ab + b^2 - 3a + 3b + 9 \] This is the completely factored form of the original expression using the sum of cubes formula:\[(a-b)^3 + 27 = (a-b+3)(a^2 - 2ab + b^2 - 3a + 3b + 9).\]
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sum of Cubes Formula
The sum of cubes formula is a highly useful tool in algebra. It allows us to factor expressions of the form \(x^3 + y^3\). This is where the sum of two cubes can be expressed as
- \((x + y)\): a simple addition of the cube roots.
- \((x^2 - xy + y^2)\): a quadratic expression.
Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic expressions are foundational in mathematics. They consist of numbers, variables, and operators. In the given exercise, the expression \((a-b)^3 + 27\) involves a polynomial in the variable \(a-b\). This is an example of a composite algebraic expression because it includes operations such as subtraction and exponentiation.
- Understand the components: identify numbers, variables, and operators in an expression.
- Know how to restructure: rearranging or regrouping terms often reveals simpler forms or makes complex expressions easier to manage.
- Substitute and evaluate: just like we substituted \(a-b\) for \(x\), this technique helps in using formulas efficiently.
Polynomial Simplification
Polynomial simplification is the process of reducing a polynomial to its simplest form. It involves operations such as combining like terms and applying well-known identities or formulas.
In the context of our exercise, we simplified the expression by:
In the context of our exercise, we simplified the expression by:
- Identifying and grouping similar terms: Like terms such as \(-xa, xb\) can be easily spotted and combined.
- Substituting and recalculating: The idea of substituting \(x = (a-b)\) and \(y = 3\) converts complex polynomials into simpler structures.
- Simplifying each segment separately: Calculating squares and products makes it easier to handle individual parts before combining.