1963 TMTA High School Algebra I Contest Problem 11

Problem

$x^3+y^3$ factored into real primes is

$\text{(A)} \quad (x+y)(x^2+2xy+y^2) \quad \text{(B)} \quad (x+y)(x^2-2xy+y^2) \quad \text{(C)} \quad (x+y)(x^2-xy+y^2)$

$\text{(D)} \quad (x+y)(x^2+xy+y^2) \quad \text{(E)} (x+y)(x^2-y^2)$

Solution

This is a difference of cubes, so factor using the difference of cubes formula: \[x^3 + y^3 = (x+y)(x^2-xy+y^2).\] The answer is $\boxed{\text{(C)}}.$

See Also

1963 TMTA High School Mathematics Contests (Problems)
Preceded by
Problem 10
TMTA High School Mathematics Contest Past Problems/Solutions Followed by
Problem 12