In Exercises 1–68, factor completely, or state that the polynomial is prime. 2x⁵ + 54x²
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Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms in the polynomial. In this case, the GCF is 2x².
Factor out the GCF from each term in the polynomial. This means you will divide each term by 2x².
Rewrite the polynomial as a product of the GCF and the remaining polynomial. This will give you 2x²(x³ + 27).
Recognize that the expression inside the parentheses, x³ + 27, is a sum of cubes.
Apply the sum of cubes formula: a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²), where a = x and b = 3, to factor x³ + 27 further.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring polynomials involves breaking down a polynomial expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original polynomial. This process often includes identifying common factors, applying special product formulas, or using techniques like grouping. Understanding how to factor is essential for simplifying expressions and solving polynomial equations.
The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) is the largest factor that divides two or more numbers or terms without leaving a remainder. In polynomial expressions, finding the GCF allows for the simplification of the polynomial by factoring it out. For the polynomial 2x⁵ + 54x², identifying the GCF helps in reducing the expression to a more manageable form before further factoring.
A prime polynomial is a polynomial that cannot be factored into simpler polynomials with real coefficients. This means that it does not have any factors other than itself and 1. Recognizing whether a polynomial is prime is crucial in algebra, as it determines the methods used for solving equations or simplifying expressions. In the case of 2x⁵ + 54x², determining if it can be factored completely or is prime is a key step in the problem.