Question

Factor 9x^6 – 16y^6 completely. First factor each term. 9x^6 = (__)2 16y^6 = (__)2

Then use a2 – b2 = (a – b)(a + b).

Show your work.

9x^6 – 16y^6 =

Answer 1

see the equation they want you to use. factor to make it like that.

9 is 3^2 and 16 is 4^2

x^6 is (x^3)^2

so for the answer. factor each term

9x^6 = (3x^3)^2

16y^6 = (4y^3)^2

see that "a" is 3x^3 and "b" is 4y^3 ? put it all together

= (3x^3 - 4y^3)(3x^3 + 4y^3)

Explanation:

Answer 2

see the equation they want you to use. factor to make it like that.
9 is 3^2 and 16 is 4^2
x^6 is (x^3)^2

so for the answer. factor each term
9x^6 = (3x^3)^2
16y^6 = (4y^3)^2

see that "a" is 3x^3 and "b" is 4y^3 ? put it all together

= (3x^3 - 4y^3)(3x^3 + 4y^3)