In Exercises 75–94, factor using the formula for the sum or difference of two cubes. 8y³ + 1
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Identify the expression as a sum of cubes: \$8y^3 + 1\( can be rewritten as \)(2y)^3 + 1^3$.
Recall the formula for the sum of cubes: \(a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)\).
Assign \(a = 2y\) and \(b = 1\) based on the expression \((2y)^3 + 1^3\).
Substitute \(a\) and \(b\) into the sum of cubes formula: \((2y + 1)((2y)^2 - (2y)(1) + 1^2)\).
Simplify the expression: \((2y + 1)(4y^2 - 2y + 1)\).
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Key Concepts
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 a³ + b³ can be factored as (a + b)(a² - ab + b²). This formula is essential for simplifying expressions that involve the sum of two cubic terms, allowing for easier manipulation and solving of algebraic equations.
In the expression 8y³ + 1, it is crucial to identify the terms a and b that correspond to the sum of cubes. Here, a is 2y (since (2y)³ = 8y³) and b is 1 (since 1³ = 1). Correctly identifying these terms is the first step in applying the sum of cubes formula effectively.
Once a and b are identified, the next step is to apply the sum of cubes formula to factor the expression. This involves substituting a and b into the formula, resulting in (2y + 1)((2y)² - (2y)(1) + 1²). Understanding the factoring process is vital for simplifying the expression and solving related algebraic problems.