How do you factor 2x^3+16 ?

1 Answer
Aug 25, 2016

2(x^3+8) = 2(x+2)(x^2-2x+4)

Explanation:

Always look for a common factor first.

Both terms can be divided by 2.

2(x^3+8)

Both x^3 and 8 are cube numbers. The sum or difference of cubes can be factored according to:

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

2(x^3+8) = 2(x+2)(x^2-2x+4)