- #1
Trail_Builder
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Homework Statement
factorise: [tex]a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc[/tex]
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I had a few random attempts and found that [tex](a + b + c)[/tex] is factor, and then dividing the original equation by (a + b + c) yeilds [tex]a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - ac - bc[/tex]
I can't figure out how to factorise this quadratic. I tried solving for A and it either doesn;t work, or I did it wrong lol. short of trying a zillion different factors (i'd rather not, I'd prefer a more elegant solution), what can I do?
thanks.