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 w6−1 is a difference of squares because it can be written as (w3)2−12.Step Output: Difference of squares: (w3)2−12
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=w3 and b=1 to get (w3+1)(w3−1).Step Output: Factored form: (w3+1)(w3−1)
Factor Further if Possible: Step Title: Factor Further if PossibleConcise Step Description: Check if the resulting binomials can be factored further, especially the w3−1 term, which is also a difference of cubes.Step Calculation: Recognize that w3−1 is a difference of cubes and can be factored using the formula a3−b3=(a−b)(a2+ab+b2) with a=w and b=1.Step Output: Factored form of w3−1: (w−1)(w2+w+1)
Combine Factored Forms: Step Title: Combine Factored FormsConcise Step Description: Combine the factored forms from the previous steps to write the completely factored expression.Step Calculation: The completely factored form is (w3+1)(w−1)(w2+w+1).Step Output: Completely factored form: (w3+1)(w−1)(w2+w+1)