Recognize Difference of Squares: Step Title: Recognize the Difference of SquaresConcise Step Description: Identify that the expression is a difference of squares, which can be factored into the product of two binomials.Step Calculation: Recognize that 144−x6 can be written as (12)2−(x3)2.Step Output: Expression as a difference of squares: (12)2−(x3)2
Apply Squares Formula: Step Title: Apply the Difference of Squares FormulaConcise Step Description: Use the difference of squares formula, which states that a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b), to factor the expression.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=12 and b=x3 to get (12+x3)(12−x3).Step Output: Factored form using the difference of squares: (12+x3)(12−x3)
Factor Further if Possible: Step Title: Factor Further if PossibleConcise Step Description: Check if the resulting binomials can be factored further.Step Calculation: Notice that 12−x3 is also a difference of cubes, which can be factored further using the formula a3−b3=(a−b)(a2+ab+b2). However, 12+x3 is a sum of cubes and does not factor over the integers.Step Output: No further factoring is possible for 12+x3, but 12−x3 can be factored further.
Factor Difference of Cubes: Step Title: Factor the Difference of CubesConcise Step Description: Use the difference of cubes formula to factor 12−x3.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=12 and b=x to get (12−x)(144+12x+x2).Step Output: Factored form using the difference of cubes: (12−x)(144+12x+x2)
Combine Factored Forms: Step Title: Combine Factored FormsConcise Step Description: Combine the factored forms to express the original expression completely factored.Step Calculation: Combine the factored forms to get (12+x3)(12−x)(144+12x+x2).Step Output: Completely factored form: (12+x3)(12−x)(144+12x+x2)