Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sum of Cubes Formula
The sum of cubes formula states that for any two terms a and b, the expression a^3 + b^3 can be factored as (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2). This formula is essential for factoring expressions where the sum of two cubes is present, allowing for simplification and further analysis.
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Identifying a and b
In the expression x^3 + 64, it is crucial to identify the terms a and b that correspond to the cubes. Here, a is x and b is 4, since 64 can be expressed as 4^3. Recognizing these values is the first step in applying the sum of cubes formula effectively.
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Factoring Process
Once a and b are identified, the next step is to apply the sum of cubes formula. This involves substituting a and b into the formula to create the factored form. For x^3 + 64, the factored expression becomes (x + 4)(x^2 - 4x + 16), which simplifies the original polynomial and reveals its roots.
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