Factoring 18-Sum and Difference of 2 Cubes

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Taught by YourMathGal
  • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
8299 views | 2 ratings
Part of video series
Meets NCTM Standards:
Lesson Summary:

This lesson covers how to factor the sum and difference of two cubes, including more complex problems. Students will learn how to use the box method to multiply and determine the factors of a cubed plus b cubed and a cubed minus b cubed. They will also review the formulas for factoring the difference of two squares and the sum of two squares. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to factor a variety of polynomial expressions involving cubes.

Lesson Description:

Covers how to factor the Sum and Difference of 2 Cubes, including more complex problems.

More free YouTube videos by Julie Harland are organized at http://yourmathgal.com

Questions answered by this video:
  • What is a sum or difference of cubes?
  • Can you factor a^3 + b^3?
  • Why does a^3 + b^3 NOT equal (a + b)^3?
  • What does (a + b)^3 equal?
  • What does (a^2 - ab + b^2)(a + b) equal?
  • What is the formula for factoring the sum of cubes?
  • Why does a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)?
  • How would you factor x^3 + 125?
  • How can you recognize the sum of cubes?
  • How do you know what goes in parentheses when you factor the sum of cubes?
  • What is the formula for factoring the difference of cubes?
  • Why does a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)?
  • How do you factor 27y^3 - 8 using the difference of cubes formula?
  • How can you factor the sum or difference of two terms?
  • How do you factor 2x^7 - 2x?
  • How do you know when you are done factoring a difference of cubes or difference of squares?
  • How do you factor x^6 - 1 since it is a difference of two cubes and a difference of two squares?
  • Staff Review

    • Currently 4.0/5 Stars.
    The sum and difference of cubes is explained in this lesson, and some example factoring problems are shown. A lot of formulas are shown and a lot of explanation is given for polynomials that fit this mold.
  • tonimc22

    • Currently 5.0/5 Stars.
    i am spending HOURS on this but at least you help me get the answer!!