Question

Tomas learned that the product of the polynomials (a + b)(a2 – ab + b2) was a special pattern that would result in a sum of cubes, a3 + b3. His teacher put four products on the board and asked the class to identify which product would result in a sum of cubes if a = 2x and b = 1.

Which product should Tomas choose?

Answer 1

(2x + 1) (4x^2 - 2x + 1)

Explanation:

(a + b) (a^2 - ab + b^2) when a = 2x and b =1

(2x + 1) (4x^2 - 2x(1) + 1^2) or (2x + 1) (4x^2 - 2x + 1)

Answer 2

if a = 2x and b = 1

(2x)³+1³ = (2x+1)(4x²-2x+1)

I hope this helps