Department of Education

National Capital Region

Schools Division of Parañaque City
Self-Learning Modules
Mathematics 8 Quarter 1 Week 2

FACTORING SUM OR DIFFERENCE OF TWO CUBES

Learning Competency
The learner factors completely different types of polynomials (polynomials with
common monomial factors, difference of two squares, sum and difference of two
cubes, perfect square trinomials and general trinomials). (M8AL-Ia-b-1)

Objective
The learner factors sum or difference of two cubes.

Let’s Recall (Review)

Let’s recall the meaning of perfect cubes.
The cube of an integer or an expression is a perfect cube.
For example, 8 is a perfect cube because (2)3 or (2)(2)(2) = 8
𝒙𝟑 is a perfect cube because 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 = 𝑥 3

Complete the following cubes.

1) 13 = _____ 2) 103 = _____ 3) (0.2𝑥)3 = _____

Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

Factoring Sum of Two Cubes
The sum of two cubes can be factored using this pattern:
For any real numbers a and b, 𝒂𝟑 + 𝒃𝟑 = (𝒂 + 𝒃)(𝒂𝟐 − 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃𝟐 ).

Factoring Difference of Two Cubes

The difference of two cubes can be factored using this pattern:
For any real numbers a and b, 𝒂𝟑 − 𝒃𝟑 = (𝒂 − 𝒃)(𝒂𝟐 + 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃𝟐 ).

Example 1: Factor 𝒙𝟑 + 𝟖.
Step 1: Express 𝑥 3 as the cube of x.
𝑥 3 = 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 = (𝑥)3 , we let 𝒂 = 𝑥
Step 2: Express 8 as the cube of 2.
8 = 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 2 = (2)3 , we let 𝒃 = 2
Step 3: Use the pattern 𝒂𝟑 + 𝒃𝟑 = (𝒂 + 𝒃)(𝒂𝟐 − 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃𝟐 ).
𝒙𝟑 + 𝟖 = (𝒙)𝟑 + (𝟐)𝟑 = (𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙𝟐 − 𝒙 ⋅ 𝟐 + 𝟐𝟐 )
Step 4: Simplify to get the final answer.
(𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒙𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟒)
Example 2: Factor (𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟑 − 𝒚𝟗 .
Step 1: Express (𝑥 + 2)3 as the cube of 𝑥 + 2.

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(𝑥 + 2)3 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 2), we let 𝒂 = 𝑥 + 2
Step 2: Express 𝑦 9 as the cube of 𝑦 3 .
𝑦 9 = (𝑦 3 )(𝑦 3 )(𝑦 3 ) = (𝑦 3 )3 , we let 𝒃 = 𝑦 3
Step 3: Use the pattern 𝒂𝟑 − 𝒃𝟑 = (𝒂 − 𝒃)(𝒂𝟐 + 𝒂𝒃 + 𝒃𝟐 ).
𝟑
(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟑 − 𝒚𝟗 = (𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟑 − (𝒚𝟑 )
𝟐
= (𝒙 + 𝟐 − 𝒚𝟑 ) [(𝒙 + 𝟐)𝟐 + (𝒙 + 𝟐)(𝒚𝟑 ) + (𝒚𝟑 ) )]
Step 4: Simplify to get the final answer.
(𝒙 + 𝟐 − 𝒚𝟑 )(𝒙𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙 + 𝟒 + 𝒙𝒚𝟑 + 𝟐𝒚𝟑 + 𝒚𝟔 )

Let’s Apply (Exercises)

Complete the factored form for each product.
1) 𝑥 3 + 64 = (𝑥 + 4)(_____) 4) 𝑝3 + 𝑞6 𝑟 9 = (_____)(𝑝2 − 𝑝𝑞2 𝑟 3 + 𝑞4 𝑟 6 )
3 3
2) 8𝑎 − 𝑏 = (2𝑎 − 𝑏)(_____) 5) 0.027𝑟 3 − 0.064𝑠 3 = (0.3𝑟 − 0.4𝑠)(_____)
3) 27𝑥 3 𝑦 3 − 343 = (3𝑥𝑦 − 7)(_____)

Let’s Analyze (Enrichment Exercises)

Factor each polynomial completely.
1) 𝑥 3 + 27 3) 𝑥 3 𝑦 6 + 512 5) 𝑥 3 + (𝑦 + 3)3
2) 8𝑥 3 − 125 4) 𝑢3 + 125𝑣 3

Additional Activities (Critical Thinking)

Write the answer to each of the following questions.
1) How do you recognize if a polynomial is a sum of two cubes? difference of two
cubes?
2) Explain why 𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 and 𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 are prime polynomials.

FACTORING GENERAL QUADRATIC TRINOMIALS

Objective
The learner factors general quadratic trinomial 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐.

Let’s Recall (Review)

Give the product.
1) (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 4) 2) (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 − 2) 3) (3𝑥 − 5)(2𝑥 − 3)

How did you find the product? Did you use FOIL Method?
For example: (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3) = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 6 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6
F L
F L
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)
I
O

Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

Since factoring is the opposite of finding the product, we now reverse the process

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that you used in finding the product of the two binomials.

Factoring Quadratic Trinomial 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 where 𝒂 = 𝟏.

To factor 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝒃𝑥 + 𝒄 where 𝒂 = 𝟏, find two integers, r and s whose
product is c and whose sum is b.
In general, 𝑥 2 + 𝒃𝑥 + 𝒄 = 𝑥 2 + (𝒓 + 𝒔)𝑥 + 𝒓𝒔 = (𝑥 + 𝒓)(𝑥 + 𝒔) where r and s
are two integers.

Example 1: Factor: 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟔.
Step 1: Think of two integers that have a product of 6 and a sum of 5.
6 = (2)(3) and 5 = 2 + 3
Hence, 𝒓 = 2 and 𝒔 = 3 (Can be interchanged)
Step 2: Follow the pattern
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 = 𝒙𝟐 + (𝒓 + 𝒔)𝒙 + 𝒓𝒔 = (𝒙 + 𝒓)(𝒙 + 𝒔)
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 = 𝑥 2 + (2 + 3)𝑥 + 2 ∙ 3 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)

Answer: 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)

Factoring Quadratic Trinomial 𝒂𝒙𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + 𝒄 where 𝒂 ≠ 𝟏.

To factor the quadratic trinomial 𝒂𝑥 2 + 𝒃𝑥 + 𝒄 where a, b and c are integers and
𝑎 ≠ 1, we follow these steps:
Step 1: Multiply a and c
Step 2: Find two integers, r and s, whose product is ac and the sum is b.
Step 3: Write the factored form as (𝒂𝑥 + 𝒓)(𝒂𝑥 + 𝒔).
Step 4: Factor the binomial that has a common factor.
Step 5: Divide the answer in Step 4 by a.
Example 2: Factor: 𝟔𝒙𝟐 − 𝟓𝒙 − 𝟒

a b c
Step 1: Multiply a and c
𝑎𝑐 = (6)(−4) = −24
Step 2: Find two integers, r and s, whose product is 𝒂𝒄 and the sum is b.
Since the product is −𝟐𝟒 and the sum is −𝟓, the two integers satisfying the
given conditions are −𝟖 and 3.
Step 3: Write the factored form as (𝒂𝑥 + 𝒓)(𝒂𝑥 + 𝒔).
(𝒂𝑥 + 𝒓)(𝒂𝑥 + 𝒔) = (6𝑥 − 𝟖)(6𝑥 + 𝟑)
Step 4: Factor the binomial that has a common factor.
(6𝑥 − 𝟖)(6𝑥 + 𝟑) = 2(3𝑥 − 4)3(2𝑥 + 1)
Step 5: Divide the answer in Step 4 by a.
2(3𝑥−4)3(2𝑥+1)
= (3𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 1)
6

Let’s Apply (Exercises)

A. Find two integers that satisfy the given sum and product. The first one has been
done for you.
SUM PRODUCT TWO INTEGERS
3 2 2, 1
6 9

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−13 36
5 −24
−9 20
3 −40
B. Complete the factored form of each trinomial.
1) 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = (𝑥 + ___)(𝑥 − ___) 4) 9𝑦 2 − 15𝑦 + 4 = (_______)(3𝑦 − 1)
2) 𝑎2 − 𝑎 − 12 = (𝑎 + ___)(𝑎 − ___) 5) 3𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 12 = (3𝑥 − 2)(_______)
2
3) 𝑝 − 16𝑝 + 55 = (𝑝 − ___)(𝑝 − ___)

Let’s Analyze (Enrichment Exercises)

Factor each trinomial completely.
1) 𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 3) 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 99 5) 6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6
2) 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 30 4) 3𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 4

Additional Activities (Critical Thinking)

Factor completely. Show the solution.
1) (𝑥 − 2)2 − 7(𝑥 − 2) + 12 (Clue: Let 𝑦 = 𝑥 − 2)
2) 3(𝑏2 + 5𝑏) + 12 (Clue: Factor first the common factor)

Let’s Try. (Evaluation)

Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1) Find the missing value such that 𝑥 + 4 is a factor of 𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 + _____.
A. 4 B. 8 C. 12 D. 32
2
2) Factor 3𝑥 + 7𝑥 − 20 completely.
A. (3𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 − 4) B. (3𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 4) C. (3𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 5) D. (3𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 5)
3) The GCF in 12𝑥 + 8 is
A. 2 B. 4 C. 6 D. 8
2
4) Which of the following are the factors of 6𝑥 + 𝑥 − 12?
A. (2𝑥 − 3)(3𝑥 + 4) B. (2𝑥 + 3)(3𝑥 − 4) C. (𝑥 − 12)(6𝑥 + 1) D. (𝑥 + 2)(6𝑥 − 1)
5) Which of the following are the factors of 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 42?
A. (𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 + 6) B. (𝑥 − 7)(𝑥 − 6) C. (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 + 6) D. (𝑥 + 7)(𝑥 − 6)

PROBLEMS INVOLVING FACTORING POLYNOMIALS

Learning Competency
The learner solves problems involving factors of polynomials. (M8AL-Ib-2)

Objective
The learner solves problems using the different types of factoring.

Let’s Recall (Review)

Fact or Fake?
Write fact if the statement is correct and fake if the statement is wrong.
1) When factoring, always look for the common factor.
2) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 = (𝑥 − 3)2
3) 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 12 = (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3)

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Let’s Understand (Study the Concept)

Now let us recall the different types of factoring in factoring a polynomial completely.
Any polynomial – Look for the greatest common factor.
𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑐)
Binomials – Squares or Cubes?
𝑎2 − 𝑏2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏)
𝑎3 + 𝑏3 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎2 − 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 )
𝑎3 − 𝑏3 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 )
Trinomials – Look for a perfect square trinomial or any other factorable trinomials.
𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 = (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑏) 𝑜𝑟 (𝑎 + 𝑏)2
𝑎2 − 2𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏2 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏)𝑜𝑟 (𝑎 − 𝑏)2
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = ( 𝑥+ )( 𝑥+ )

Factoring Polynomials Completely

To factor a polynomial completely ask yourself these questions.
1. Is there a common factor?
2. How many terms are there?
a. Two Is it a Difference of Two Squares?
Is it a Difference of Two Cubes?
Is it a Sum of Two Cubes?
b. Three Is it a Perfect Square Trinomial (PST)?
If not a PST, then is it of the form x2+bx+c?
If not a PST, then is it of the form ax2+bx+c?
c. Four Is it factorable by groupings?
3. Are there no more factors that can be factored any further?

Example 1: Factor 𝟖𝟏𝒙𝟑 − 𝒙.

Step 1: There is a common factor x so, factor it out.
81𝑥 3 − 𝑥 = 𝑥(81𝑥 2 − 1)
Step 2: 81𝑥 2 − 1 is a difference of two squares.
81𝑥 2 − 1 = (𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏)(𝟗𝒙 − 𝟏)
Step 3: All the factors are now prime.
Answer: 81𝑥 3 − 𝑥 = 𝒙(𝟗𝒙 + 𝟏)(𝟗𝒙 − 𝟏)
Example 2: Factor 𝟑𝒚𝟐 − 𝟏𝟐𝒚 + 𝟏𝟐.
Step 1: There is a common factor 3 so factor it out.
3𝑦 2 − 12𝑦 + 12 = 3(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4)
Step 2: (𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4) is a Perfect Square Trinomial
𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 = (𝒚 − 𝟐)𝟐
Step 3: All the factors are now prime.
Answer: 3𝑦 2 − 12𝑦 + 12 = 𝟑(𝒚 − 𝟐)𝟐
Example 3: Problem: A square piece of land has an area of 𝑥 2 + 26𝑥 + 169 sq. m. Find an
expression for its perimeter.
Solution:
Since the area is 𝑥 2 + 26𝑥 + 169 sq. m. which is a perfect square trinomial,
by factoring we have 𝑥 2 + 26𝑥 + 169 = (𝑥 + 13)2 . The area of a square is given by

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the formula 𝐴 = 𝑠 2 hence, the side of a square is represented by 𝑥 + 13. But the
problem asked for the perimeter of the square.
The formula for the perimeter of a square is 𝑃 = 4𝑠, where 𝑠 stands for the
length of its side therefore, 𝑃 = 4(𝑥 + 13) meters or 𝑃 = (4𝑥 + 52)m.

Let’s Apply (Exercises)

Determine whether each polynomial is prime or not. If not determine whether it is a
difference of two squares (DOTS), difference of two cubes (DOTC), sum of two cubes
(SOTC), perfect square trinomial (PST) or a general quadratic trinomial (GQT).
1) 𝑥 2 − 49 3) 2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 4 5) 16𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 1
2 2
2) 9𝑦 + 4 4) 6𝑥 + 𝑥 + 1

Let’s Analyze (Enrichment Exercises)

A. Factor each polynomial completely.
1) 𝑥 3 − 81𝑥 3) 16𝑥 2 − 49𝑦 2 5) 9𝑥 2 𝑦 2 − 9𝑦 2
2 2 2 2 5 2
2) 𝑥 𝑦 − 2𝑥 𝑦 − 15𝑥 4) 3𝑥 − 81𝑥
B. Solve each of the following.
1) Find the value of 612 − 592 using difference of two squares.
2) If the sum of two numbers is 45 and their difference is 12, what is the difference of
their squares?
3) Factor 𝑥 2 − 4𝑦 2 − 20𝑦 − 25 completely. (Clue: Group the last 3 terms together being
careful with the signs.)

Additional Activities (Critical Thinking)

Solve the problem.
Due to COVID-19, Anne wanted to use the vacant rectangular lot near her home and
planted vegetables on it. She found out that the length is twice the width. She decided to
decrease the length and the width making the area of the lot (2𝑤 2 − 11𝑤 + 15) sq. m. By
how much did she decrease the length and the width?

Let’s Try (Evaluation)

Encircle the letter of the best answer.
1) Which of the following expressions is the difference of two terms?
A. 𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 2 B. 𝑥 3 − 𝑦 3 C. 𝑥 2 − 8 D. 𝑥 2 − 16
2) Which of the following is a perfect square trinomial?
A. 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 9 B. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 9 C. 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 − 9 D. 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9
3) Which trinomial is a factor of 𝑥 3 − 8?
A. 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 4 B. 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 C. 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 4 D. 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4
4) Which of the following is a factor of 2𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 9?
A. 2𝑥 + 9 B. 𝑥 − 1 C. 2𝑥 − 9 D. 𝑥 − 3
2
5) The area of a square is (4𝑥 + 20𝑥 + 25) sq.cm. Its side is _____
A. 2𝑥 + 5 B. 2𝑥 − 5 C. 𝑥 + 5 D. 𝑥 − 5