sum of cubes

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Here is the question that is confusing me:
8+ t^3

factor the sum of cubes:
This is what i have done:

a^3 + b^3 = (a + b) (a^2 -ab + b^2)

t^3 + (2)^3

my book says the answer is
(2 + t) (4-2t + t^2)

Could someone explain how that became the answer besides what I did?
Thanks so much.
 
afreemanny said:
Here is the question that is confusing me:
8+ t^3
(2 + t) (4-2t + t^2)
8 = 2<sup>3</sup>
2<sup>2</sup> = 4
-2*t

??? Where are you struggling? It looks like you should just be able to plug it in. Number first and variable last, maybe. 8 + t^3 = t^3 + 8 Do it the other way if it makes more sense.
 
thanks

I just struggle because I am a mom of 3 and work full time. My time for trying to learn all this is little. I am trying to learn to help my 15 year old when he has questions, so I don't look so dumb!
 
So, are you still stuck on this one or did that help? Seeing the form is the tricky part.

Something<sup>3</sup> + (Something Else)<sup>3</sup>
 
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