Topic Details (Notes format)

How to Factor the Sum or Difference of Cubes

Subject: Mathematics

Book: Maths Mastery

Sum of cubes a³ + b³ factors into (a + b)(a² – ab + b²), while difference of cubes a³ – b³ factors into (a – b)(a² + ab + b²). For instance, x³ – 8 = (x – 2)(x² + 2x + 4). These patterns appear frequently in polynomial algebra and advanced factorization tasks. You’ll see them in integral calculus (factoring integrands), economic models (cubic cost functions), and more. Knowing how to handle sums/differences of cubes fosters swift resolution of higher-order polynomial problems.

Practice Questions

The sides of a triangle are 13 cm, 14 cm, and 15 cm. What is its area?

View Question

If the sum of three consecutive integers is 72, what are the integers?

View Question

If the radius of a circle is 7 cm, what is its circumference?

View Question

If x + 1/x = 5, what is the value of x^2 + 1/x^2?

View Question

If the angles of a triangle are in the ratio 2:3:4, what is the measure of the largest angle?

View Question

The area of an equilateral triangle with side length 6 cm is:

View Question

If 2x = 16, what is the value of x?

View Question

If the sum of the squares of two consecutive positive integers is 365, what are the integers?

View Question

If x:y = 4:5 and y:z = 2:3, what is x:z?

View Question

A sum of money doubles itself in 5 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest?

View Question