16Hit1600
Advanced MathVery hardSum of coefficients in a sum-of-cubes factor

Advanced Math practice question

For all values of x, x³ + 8 = (x + 2)(x² + bx + c), where b and c are constants. What is the value of b + c?

Answer: 2

Multiplying out, x³ + (2 + b)x² + (2b + c)x + 2c; matching x³ + 8 gives b = −2 and c = 4, so b + c = 2.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 4
4 is c alone.
If you answered 6
6 uses b = 2 with the sign wrong.
If you answered -2
−2 is b alone.

More Advanced Math questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.