Identify GCF: Identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms 32 and −18x6. The GCF of 32 and 18 is 2. Since there is an x term in one of the terms, and it is to the power of 6, we can take x6 as a common factor as well. However, since there is no x term in 32, we cannot take x as a common factor. The GCF is therefore 2.
Factor out GCF: Factor out the GCF from the expression 32−18x6. This gives us 2(16−9x6).
Recognize difference of squares: Recognize that 16−9x6 is a difference of squares, since 16 is 42 and 9x6 is (3x3)2. The difference of squares can be factored as (a2−b2)=(a−b)(a+b). Here, a=4 and b=3x3.
Apply difference of squares formula: Apply the difference of squares formula to factor 16−9x6. This gives us (4−3x3)(4+3x3).
Combine factored forms: Combine the factored form of the difference of squares with the GCF that was factored out earlier.The final factored form is 2(4−3x3)(4+3x3).