X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes

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In summary, to factor x^6 - y^6 as a difference of cubes, we can use the formula (x^3 - y^3)(x^3 + y^3) or the alternative method of factoring (x- y)(x+ y)(x^2+ xy+ y^2)(x^2- xy+ y^2).
  • #1
mathdad
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Factor x^6 - y^6 as a difference of cubes.

Solution:

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

I now proceed by applying the difference and sum of cubes accordingly, right?
 
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  • #2
I'm thinking the intention here is to first use the difference of cubes formula...however, I treated that case in your other thread regarding this expression. :D
 
  • #3
Great. Your previous reply is more than enough in terms of this question.
 
  • #4
RTCNTC said:
Factor x^6 - y^6 as a difference of cubes.

Solution:

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

I now proceed by applying the difference and sum of cubes accordingly, right?
Yes, of course, you can do that. Further, x^3- y^3= (x- y)(x^2 + xy+ y^2) and x^3+ y^3= (x+ y)(x^2- xy+ y^2) so that can be written as (x- y)(x+ y)(x^2+ xy+ y^2)(x^2- xy+ y^2).

As you saw in the other thread, you can also do it "the other way around". x^6- y^6= (x^2)^3- (y^2)^3= (x^2- y^2)((x^2)^2+ x^2y^2+ (y^2)^2)= (x^2- y^2)(x^4+ x^2y^2+ y^2)= (x- y)(x+ y)(x^2+ xy+ y^2)(x^2- xy+ y^2).
 
  • #5
Thank you everyone.
 

FAQ: X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes

1. What is the formula for "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes"?

The formula for "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" is (X^3 - y^3)(X^3 + y^3). It follows the pattern of (a^3 - b^3) = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2).

2. How is "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" different from "X^6 + y^6 As Sum of Cubes"?

The main difference between "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" and "X^6 + y^6 As Sum of Cubes" is the sign between the two terms. In "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes", the sign is negative while in "X^6 + y^6 As Sum of Cubes", the sign is positive.

3. Can "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" be factored further?

Yes, "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" can be factored further into (X - y)(X + y)(X^2 + xy + y^2)(X^2 - xy + y^2). This is known as the difference of squares rule.

4. What is the significance of "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" in mathematics?

"X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" is a special case of the difference of powers formula and is used in many mathematical concepts such as algebraic expressions, polynomial functions, and binomial expansions. It is also helpful in solving complex equations and simplifying expressions.

5. Can "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" be applied to other powers besides 6?

Yes, the concept of "X^6 - y^6 As Difference of Cubes" can be applied to any powers as long as the powers are integers. For example, (X^4 - y^4) can be factored as (X - y)(X + y)(X^2 + y^2).

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