Learn Which Expression Does Not Factor
from a handpicked tutor in LIVE 1-to-1 classes

 Which expression does not factor? 
m3 + 1 
m3 - 1 
m2 + 1 
m2 - 1 

Solution:

m3 + 1 

Let us make use of the formula

a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 - ab + b2)

Here a = m and b = 1

m3 + 1 = (m + 1) (m2 - m + 1)

m3 - 1

Let us make use of the formula

a3 - b3 = (a - b) (a2 + ab + b2)

Here a = m and b = 1

m3 - 1 = (m - 1) (m2 + m + 1)

m2 + 1 

It cannot be factored

m2 - 1

Let us make use of the formula

a2 - b2 = (a + b) (a - b)

Here a = m and b = 1

m2 - 1 = (m + 1) (m - 1)

Therefore, m2 + 1 does not factor.

Which expression does not factor? 

Summary:

The expression m2 + 1 does not factor.

Math worksheets and
visual curriculum