SOLUTION: I'm stuck on a problem. directions tell me to factor the polynomial. x^3 + 1 I would be very grateful for any help that you may give me. Thank you, Mike

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm stuck on a problem. directions tell me to factor the polynomial. x^3 + 1 I would be very grateful for any help that you may give me. Thank you, Mike      Log On


   



Question 229231: I'm stuck on a problem. directions tell me to factor the polynomial.
x^3 + 1
I would be very grateful for any help that you may give me.
Thank you, Mike

Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
factor the polynomial.
x^3 + 1
:
You should recognize this as "the sum of cubes", which factors as
(a^3 + b^3) = (a + b) (a^2 - ab + b^2)
:
In this problem a = x, and b = 1 (1^3 = 1)
x^3 + 1 = (x + 1) (x^2 - x + 1)
:
:
You can prove this to yourself: let x = 2
2^3 + 1 =
8 + 1 = 9
and
(2 + 1) (2^2 - 2 + 1)
3 * (4 - 2 + 1)
3 * 3 = 9 also