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Paper 2 · June 2010 · Algebra and Equations

Factorise completely 125p3−5p125p^3 - 5p.

Model answer

5p(5p - 1)(5p + 1)

Also accepted: 5p(5p+1)(5p-1), 5p(5p-1)(5p+1)

Explanation

First take out the common factor 5p5p: 125p3−5p=5p(25p2−1)125p^3 - 5p = 5p(25p^2 - 1). The bracket is a difference of two squares, 25p2−1=(5p)2−1225p^2 - 1 = (5p)^2 - 1^2, so it factorises further into (5p−1)(5p+1)(5p - 1)(5p + 1). The complete factorisation is 5p(5p−1)(5p+1)5p(5p - 1)(5p + 1).

Derived from ZIMSEC Mathematics 4028/2, June 2010, Q1

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