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 a sum and difference.Step Calculation: Recognize that 4x6 is (2x3)2 and 1 is 12, so the expression 4x6−1 is a difference of squares: (2x3)2−12.
Apply Squares Formula: Step Title: Apply the Difference of Squares FormulaConcise Step Description: Use the difference of squares formula a2−b2=(a+b)(a−b) to factor the expression.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=2x3 and b=1 to get (2x3+1)(2x3−1).
Factor Further if Possible: Step Title: Factor Further if PossibleConcise Step Description: Check if the resulting binomials can be factored further.Step Calculation: The term 2x3+1 cannot be factored further over the integers. However, 2x3−1 is again a difference of cubes, which can be factored using the formula a3−b3=(a−b)(a2+ab+b2).
Apply Cubes Formula: Step Title: Apply the Difference of Cubes FormulaConcise Step Description: Use the difference of cubes formula to factor 2x3−1.Step Calculation: Apply the formula with a=2x and b=1 to get (2x−1)((2x)2+(2x)(1)+12), which simplifies to (2x−1)(4x2+2x+1).
Combine All Factors: Step Title: Combine All FactorsConcise Step Description: Combine all factors to write the completely factored form of the original expression.Step Calculation: The completely factored form is (2x3+1)(2x−1)(4x2+2x+1).