Math Problem Statement

f(x)=x³-64

Solution

The given function is:

f(x)=x364f(x) = x^3 - 64

This is a cubic function. The expression x364x^3 - 64 can be factored as a difference of cubes, which follows the general formula:

a3b3=(ab)(a2+ab+b2)a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)

Here, a=xa = x and b=4b = 4, since 64=4364 = 4^3. Applying the formula:

f(x)=(x4)(x2+4x+16)f(x) = (x - 4)(x^2 + 4x + 16)

Key Points:

  1. The factorization of the cubic function is f(x)=(x4)(x2+4x+16)f(x) = (x - 4)(x^2 + 4x + 16).
  2. The function has one real root, x=4x = 4.
  3. The quadratic factor, x2+4x+16x^2 + 4x + 16, does not have real roots, as its discriminant (b24ac=1664=48)(b^2 - 4ac = 16 - 64 = -48) is negative. Therefore, the other two roots are complex.

Would you like more details on solving or graphing this function?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do we find complex roots of quadratic functions?
  2. What is the discriminant and its role in finding roots?
  3. How do we factor other types of polynomials?
  4. What are the real and complex roots of the equation x2+4x+16=0x^2 + 4x + 16 = 0?
  5. How does the graph of f(x)=x364f(x) = x^3 - 64 behave?

Tip: Factoring cubic polynomials often requires identifying them as a sum or difference of cubes to simplify the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Cubic Functions
Factoring
Complex Numbers

Formulas

a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)
Discriminant: Δ = b² - 4ac

Theorems

Difference of Cubes
Discriminant Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11