Factor this expression:

x^2 + 5x + 6

I can factor expressions that are sums or differences of cubes.

We already know how to factor all kinds of quadratic functions. We are now going to look at some ways to factor other types of polynomials.

Today, we are looking at equations that are the sums or differences of cubes:

Factoring these is a matter of the following:

1. Look for a GCF first and take it out

2. Recognizing that the expression is one of these two things and rewriting it using parentheses (just like sum/difference of squares from quadratic factoring)

3. Using the formulas above to write the expression in its factored form

4. Do a celebratory dance!

Note: when using these methods, the resulting quadratic equation (the second part) cannot be factored further without imaginary numbers (which we aren't using here). So, you're done once you apply the formula.

let's do some examples:

1. x^3 + 1000

2. x^3 - 1000

3. 8x^3 + 729

4. g^3 - 27m^3

In case you need some extra examples to review, here are two videos of people doing problems:

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra-home/alg-polynomials/alg-advanced-polynomial-factorization-methods/v/difference-of-cubes-factoring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hixEq9KKcFE

Let's start our work together!

Complete these problems (first page required, backside is extra credit)

Challenge Problems