Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Difference of Cubes
The expression given involves the difference of two cubes, which can be factored using the formula a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2). In this case, (x+y)^3 and (x-y)^3 are the cubes, where a = (x+y) and b = (x-y). Recognizing this pattern is essential for simplifying the expression.
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Binomial Expansion
The binomial expansion theorem allows us to expand expressions of the form (a + b)^n. For n = 3, the expansion is given by (x+y)^3 = x^3 + 3x^2y + 3xy^2 + y^3. Understanding how to apply this theorem is crucial for rewriting the cubes in the expression before factoring.
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Factoring Techniques
Factoring is the process of breaking down an expression into simpler components, or factors, that when multiplied together yield the original expression. Techniques such as grouping, using special products, and recognizing patterns like the difference of squares or cubes are vital for effectively simplifying algebraic expressions.
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