Cubes
A cube is the result of a number multiplied by itself three times.
The formula for a cube is a³ = a × a × a.
Example: 4³ = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64. So, 64 is the cube of 4.
Cube Roots
A cube root is the number that, when cubed, gives the original number.
The symbol for a cube root is ∛x or x^(1/3).
Example: ∛64 = 4, because 4³ = 64.
Perfect Cubes
A perfect cube is a number that is the cube of an integer.
Perfect cubes are formed by multiplying a number by itself three times.
Examples: 1 (1³), 8 (2³), 27 (3³), 64 (4³).
How to Find if a Number is a Perfect Cube (Prime Factorization)
1. Prime Factorize: the number.
2. Group the prime factors: into sets of three identical factors.
3. Check: If every factor can be grouped into triplets and no factor is left over, the
number is a perfect cube.
Example:
Is 216 a perfect cube?
o 216 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 3.
o We can form a group of three '2's and a group of three '3's.
o Therefore, 216 is a perfect cube (it is 6³).
How to Find the Cube Root by Prime Factorization
1. Prime factorize: the given number.
2. Group: the prime factors into sets of three.
3. Take one factor: from each triplet.
4. Multiply: these selected factors to get the cube root.
Example:
Find the cube root of 13824 .
o 13824 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 × 3.
o Group into triplets: (2×2×2) × (2×2×2) × (2×2×2) × (3×3×3).
o Cube root = 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 = 24.