Identify type of factoring: Identify the type of factoring needed for 1−q9. The expression is a difference of two squares, where one term is 1 (which is 12) and the other is q9. Since q9 is a perfect square (q3)2, we can apply the difference of squares formula: a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b).
Apply difference of squares: Apply the difference of squares formula to 1−q9. We have 12−(q3)2, which can be factored as (1−q3)(1+q3).
Recognize difference of cubes: Recognize that 1+q3 is not factorable over the real numbers, but 1−q3 is a difference of cubes.The difference of cubes formula is a3−b3=(a−b)(a2+ab+b2). We can apply this to 1−q3.
Apply difference of cubes: Apply the difference of cubes formula to 1−q3. We have 13−q3, which can be factored as (1−q)(12+1⋅q+q2), which simplifies to (1−q)(1+q+q2).
Combine factored forms: Combine the factored forms from Step 2 and Step 4.The completely factored form of 1−q9 is (1−q)(1+q+q2)(1+q3).
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