Connect with experts and get insightful answers on IDNLearn.com. Our platform provides detailed and accurate responses from experts, helping you navigate any topic with confidence.

Which of the following is the correct factorization of the polynomial below?

[tex]\[ p^3 - 343q^3 \][/tex]

A. [tex]\((p - 49q)(p^2 + 7pq + 49q^2)\)[/tex]

B. [tex]\((p - 7q)(p^2 + 7pq + 49q^2)\)[/tex]

C. [tex]\((p^2 + 7q)(p^3 + 49pq + 7q^2)\)[/tex]

D. The polynomial is irreducible.


Sagot :

To factorize the polynomial [tex]\(p^3 - 343 q^3\)[/tex], we recognize it as a difference of cubes. The general formula for factoring a difference of cubes [tex]\(a^3 - b^3\)[/tex] is:

[tex]\[a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)\][/tex]

Identify [tex]\(a^3 = p^3\)[/tex] and [tex]\(b^3 = 343 q^3\)[/tex]:
[tex]\[p^3 - 343 q^3\][/tex]

Recognize that [tex]\(343 q^3 = (7q)^3\)[/tex], which means:
[tex]\[p^3 - (7q)^3\][/tex]

Now, use the difference of cubes formula with [tex]\(a = p\)[/tex] and [tex]\(b = 7q\)[/tex]:

[tex]\[(p)^3 - (7q)^3 = (p - 7q)\left(p^2 + (p)(7q) + (7q)^2\right)\][/tex]

Expand the terms in the second factor:
[tex]\[ p^2 + (p)(7q) + (7q)^2 = p^2 + 7pq + 49q^2 \][/tex]

Thus, the factorization of the polynomial [tex]\(p^3 - 343 q^3\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ (p - 7q)(p^2 + 7pq + 49q^2) \][/tex]

Among the provided options, the correct factorization corresponds to:

B. [tex]\((p - 7q)(p^2 + 7pq + 49q^2)\)[/tex]