(2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3

5 min read Jun 16, 2024
(2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3

Exploring the Factorization of (2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3

This article will explore the factorization of the expression (2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3. We will demonstrate how to factor this expression and discuss the key concepts involved.

Understanding the Problem

The expression (2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3 appears complex, but we can simplify it using algebraic manipulation and the properties of cubes. Our goal is to rewrite the expression in a factored form, revealing its underlying structure.

Applying the Sum of Cubes Formula

The sum of cubes formula states:

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

We can utilize this formula to factor the given expression. First, we notice that each term in the expression is a cube. Let's rewrite the expression by grouping the terms:

[(2a-b-c)^3 + (2b-c-a)^3] + (2c-a-b)^3

Now, we can apply the sum of cubes formula to the first two terms:

[(2a-b-c + 2b-c-a)][(2a-b-c)^2 - (2a-b-c)(2b-c-a) + (2b-c-a)^2] + (2c-a-b)^3

Simplifying the expression further:

[b-2c][(2a-b-c)^2 - (2a-b-c)(2b-c-a) + (2b-c-a)^2] + (2c-a-b)^3

Expanding and Simplifying

Next, we expand the squares and simplify the expression inside the square brackets:

[b-2c][4a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 4ab - 2ac + 2bc - 4ab + 2ac + 2bc - 4b^2 + 2bc + 2ab - c^2 + ac - b^2 + 4b^2 + c^2 - 4bc - 2ab + 2ac] + (2c-a-b)^3

Combining like terms:

[b-2c][3a^2 + 3b^2 + 3c^2 - 6ab - 2ac] + (2c-a-b)^3

Factoring out a 3 from the first square bracket:

3[b-2c][a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 2ab - (2/3)ac] + (2c-a-b)^3

Final Factorization

Finally, we can apply the sum of cubes formula again to the entire expression, treating 3[b-2c][a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 2ab - (2/3)ac] as 'a' and (2c-a-b) as 'b':

[3(b-2c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 2ab - (2/3)ac) + (2c-a-b)][(3(b-2c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 2ab - (2/3)ac))^2 - 3(b-2c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - 2ab - (2/3)ac)(2c-a-b) + (2c-a-b)^2]

This is the completely factored form of the expression (2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3.

Conclusion

By applying algebraic manipulation and the sum of cubes formula, we have successfully factored the expression (2a-b-c)^3+(2b-c-a)^3+(2c-a-b)^3. This factorization reveals the underlying structure of the expression and can be useful in various mathematical applications, such as solving equations or simplifying complex expressions. Remember that the key to solving this type of problem lies in recognizing patterns and applying the appropriate formulas.

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