Tiger Algebra Calculator

Factoring binomials as the sum or the difference of cubes

To find the sum or the difference of cubes, you have to apply one of two factoring formulas. They are almost the same, with one small difference: the placement of the minus sign.

Formula for the sum of cubes:
$$a^3+b^3=\left(a+b\right)\left(a^2–ab+b^2\right)$$

Formula for the difference of cubes:
$$a^3–b^3=\left(a–b\right)\left(a^2+ab+b^2\right)$$

In the formula for factoring the sum of cubes, the minus sign is found in the quadratic factor: $$a^2–ab+b^2$$. In the one used to factor the difference of cubes, the minus sign is located in the linear factor: $$a–b$$.

Be sure to apply the appropriate factoring formula!

Enter the binomial into the calculator and Tiger will show you, step by step, how to solve it.