Question

Factor 9x6 – 16 y completely.

First factor each term.
9x6 = (__)?
16y6 = ()2
Then use a? - b2 = (a - b)(a + b). Show your work.
9x6 – 16y6 =

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

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

Explanation:

9x^6 – 16 y^6

Rewriting as

(3x^3) ^2 - ( 4y^3) ^2

This is the difference of squares a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b)

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