Problem
Factor the polynomial expression \(x^3 + 8\).
Solution
Step 1 ：Recognize that \(x^3 + 8\) is a sum of cubes. In general, the sum of cubes can be factored as \(a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)\).
Step 2 ：Identify \(a\) and \(b\) in \(x^3 + 8\). Here, \(a = x\) and \(b = 2\) because \(x^3 = x^3\) and \(8 = 2^3\).
Step 3 ：Substitute \(a = x\) and \(b = 2\) into the formula. This gives us \((x + 2)(x^2 - 2x + 4)\).
