Sum and Difference of Cubes
Factoring a Sum or Difference of Cubes
Recall: A binomial is a difference of squares and can be factored as .
If a and b share no common factors, then a sum of squares is not factorable over the real
numbers.
Note: Both a difference of cubes, , and a sum of cubes, , are factorable.
Perfect Cubes Perfect Cubes Perfect Cubes
For exercises 1 – 6, factor the sums or differences of cubes.
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
Factoring Binomials: A Summary
Note: Some factoring problems require more than one method of factoring. In general, when factoring a
polynomial, be sure to factor completely.
Factored Form of a Sum or Difference of Cubes Sum of Cubes:
Difference of Cubes:
Factored Forms of Binomials
