Multiple choice general knowledge math & puzzles

a^3+b^3+c^3-3abc =?

  1. (a+b+c)(a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca)

  2. (a^2+b^2+c^2-ab-bc-ca)

  3. (a^2+b^2+c^2+ab+bc+ca)

  4. none of these
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A Correct answer
Explanation

This is a fundamental algebraic identity. The factorization a³+b³+c³-3abc = (a+b+c)(a²+b²+c²-ab-bc-ca) is always true and useful for simplifying cubic expressions. Note that if a+b+c=0, then a³+b³+c³=3abc.

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