Factorize the expression $x^3-x$.


Given:

The given algebraic expression is $x^3-x$.

To do:

We have to factorize the expression $x^3-x$.

Solution:

Factorizing algebraic expressions:

Factorizing an algebraic expression implies writing the expression as a product of two or more factors. Factorization is the reverse of distribution. 

An algebraic expression is factored completely when it is written as a product of prime factors.

$x^3-x$ can be written as,

$x^3-x=x(x^2-1)$                            (Taking $x$ common)

$x^3-x=x(x^2-1^2)$             [Since $1=1^2$]

Here, we can observe that the given expression is a difference of two squares. So, by using the formula $a^2-b^2=(a+b)(a-b)$, we can factorize the given expression. 

Therefore,

$x^3-x=x(x^2-1^2)$

$x^3-x=x(x+1)(x-1)$

Hence, the given expression can be factorized as $x(x+1)(x-1)$.

Updated on: 09-Apr-2023

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