Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Practice Exam

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What is the factored form of a³ + b³?

(a+b)(a²-ab+b²)

To factor the expression \(a^3 + b^3\), you can apply the sum of cubes formula. The sum of cubes states that for any two terms \(x\) and \(y\), the expression \(x^3 + y^3\) can be factored as:

\[

x^3 + y^3 = (x + y)(x^2 - xy + y^2).

\]

In this case, let \(x = a\) and \(y = b\). Applying the sum of cubes formula gives:

\[

a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2).

\]

The first part of the factorization \( (a + b) \) indicates that when the cubes \(a^3\) and \(b^3\) are summed, they can be grouped based on their linear factors, leading to \( a + b \).

The second part \( (a^2 - ab + b^2) \) is a quadratic expression representing the remaining factors after factoring out \( (a + b) \). This expression ensures that the factors will return to the original cubic form when multiplied out.

Thus, the

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(a-b)(a²+ab+b²)

(a+b)(c+d)

(y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁)

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