Question

Factor COMPLETELY the expression 2x^3 - 250

Answer 1

2 (x - 5) (x^2 + 5 x + 25)

Explanation:

Factor the following:

2 x^3 - 250

Factor 2 out of 2 x^3 - 250:

2 (x^3 - 125)

x^3 - 125 = x^3 - 5^3:

2 (x^3 - 5^3)

Factor the difference of two cubes. x^3 - 5^3 = (x - 5) (x^2 + x 5 + 5^2):

2 (x - 5) (x^2 + 5 x + 5^2)

5^2 = 25:

Answer: 2 (x - 5) (x^2 + 5 x + 25)