Math  /  Algebra

QuestionQuestion Factor v31v^{3}-1 completely.
Answer Attempt 1 out of 3 \square

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to break down v31v^3 - 1 into smaller parts that are multiplied together, just like turning 12 into 2\*2\*3! Watch out! Remember the difference of cubes formula!

STEP 2

1. Recognize the difference of cubes
2. Apply the formula
3. Check if we can factor further

STEP 3

We're dealing with a **difference of cubes** here!
We have v3v^3, which is obviously a cube, and 1, which is also a cube (since 13=11^3 = 1).
Recognizing this pattern is **super important** because it unlocks a special factoring formula.

STEP 4

The **difference of cubes formula** says: a3b3=(ab)(a2+ab+b2)a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2).
In our case, a=va = v and b=1b = 1.
Let's **plug those values in**!

STEP 5

Substituting a=va = v and b=1b = 1 into the formula gives us: v313=(v1)(v2+v1+12)v^3 - 1^3 = (v - 1)(v^2 + v \cdot 1 + 1^2).

STEP 6

**Simplifying** this gives us (v1)(v2+v+1)(v - 1)(v^2 + v + 1).
Look at that, nice and neat!

STEP 7

Now, we need to check if v2+v+1v^2 + v + 1 can be factored further.
Can we find two numbers that multiply to 1 and add up to 1?
Let's think...

STEP 8

Nope, we can't!
This **quadratic** is **irreducible**, meaning it can't be factored using real numbers.
So, we're done!

STEP 9

The completely factored form of v31v^3 - 1 is (v1)(v2+v+1)(v - 1)(v^2 + v + 1).

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