Example

Factoring 2p3+54q32p^3 + 54q^3

Factor 2p3+54q32p^3 + 54q^3 completely.

First, check for a greatest common factor. Both terms share a numerical factor of 22. Factor it out: 2(p3+27q3)2(p^3 + 27q^3)

Next, identify that the binomial inside the parentheses is a sum of cubes, since p3=(p)3p^3 = (p)^3 and 27q3=(3q)327q^3 = (3q)^3.

Apply the sum of cubes pattern a3+b3=(a+b)(a2ab+b2)a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=pa = p and b=3qb = 3q: 2((p)3+(3q)3)2((p)^3 + (3q)^3) 2(p+3q)((p)2(p)(3q)+(3q)2)2(p + 3q)((p)^2 - (p)(3q) + (3q)^2)

Simplify the trinomial factor to obtain the completely factored form: 2(p+3q)(p23pq+9q2)2(p + 3q)(p^2 - 3pq + 9q^2)

Verify the result by multiplying the factors.

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Updated 2026-04-30

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