Understanding the Equation: a³ + b³ = 7³ − 3 × 10 × 7 = 343 − 210 = 133

Mathematical expressions often hide elegant relationships and surprising simplifications, and the equation a³ + b³ = 7³ − 3 × 10 × 7 = 343 − 210 = 133 is a perfect example. While it begins deceptively straightforward, this equation reveals a fascinating interplay of cubes, arithmetic operations, and numerical simplification.

In this breakdown, we’ll explore how a³ + b³ equals 7³ − 3 × 10 × 7, ultimately computing to 133, a number rich in mathematical interest.

Understanding the Context


Breaking Down the Left-Hand Side: a³ + b³

On the left side, the identity a³ + b³ is a classic algebraic form known as the sum of cubes. This can be factored as:

$$
a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)
$$

Key Insights

While we won’t use the factorization here, recognizing this identity helps frame the relationship between a and b, especially when linked to specific numerical values or geometric interpretations.


Examining the Right-Hand Side: 7³ − 3 × 10 × 7

The right-hand side starts with , meaning 343:

$$
7³ = 343
$$

Final Thoughts

Then subtracts 3 × 10 × 7, which calculates to:

$$
3 × 10 × 7 = 210
$$

So the expression becomes:

$$
343 - 210 = 133
$$

This step demonstrates a direct arithmetic reduction—simple subtraction based on precise multiplication and exponentiation.


Connecting Both Sides: a³ + b³ = 133

Now, we know:

$$
a³ + b³ = 133
$$

The challenge becomes finding integers a and b such that their cubes sum to 133. While multiple real number pairs satisfy this, often the problem implies integer solutions for instructional clarity.