Math Problem Statement

Factor the following expressions: 8x^2 - 50, 4x^2 - 16x + 16, and 4x^3 - 108

Solution

Let's go through the three questions from the quiz.

Question 1: Factor 8x2508x^2 - 50

This is a difference of squares. It can be factored as follows:

8x250=2(4x225)=2(2x5)(2x+5)8x^2 - 50 = 2(4x^2 - 25) = 2(2x - 5)(2x + 5)

Factored form: 2(2x5)(2x+5)2(2x - 5)(2x + 5)


Question 2: Factor 4x216x+164x^2 - 16x + 16

This is a perfect square trinomial. It can be factored as follows:

4x216x+16=(2x4)24x^2 - 16x + 16 = (2x - 4)^2

Factored form: (2x4)2(2x - 4)^2 or (2(x2))2=4(x2)2(2(x - 2))^2 = 4(x - 2)^2


Question 3: Factor 4x31084x^3 - 108

Factor out the greatest common factor first, and then factor the difference of cubes:

4x3108=4(x327)=4(x3)(x2+3x+9)4x^3 - 108 = 4(x^3 - 27) = 4(x - 3)(x^2 + 3x + 9)

Factored form: 4(x3)(x2+3x+9)4(x - 3)(x^2 + 3x + 9)


Would you like further details or clarifications on these solutions?

Here are some follow-up questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What are the conditions for factoring as a difference of squares?
  2. How do you identify a perfect square trinomial?
  3. Can a sum of cubes be factored similarly to a difference of cubes?
  4. How does factoring help in solving quadratic equations?
  5. What are the steps involved in factoring polynomials with common factors?

Tip: Always look for common factors before trying other factoring techniques—it simplifies the problem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Factoring
Difference of Squares
Perfect Square Trinomials
Cubic Equations

Formulas

Difference of squares: a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)
Perfect square trinomial: a^2 - 2ab + b^2 = (a - b)^2
Difference of cubes: a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)

Theorems

Difference of Squares
Difference of Cubes

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11