Question

Why is it easier to factor a trinomial when a = 1 than to factor a trinomial when a = something other than 1?

Answer 1

Assuming that "a" refers to the variable in the following formulas for factoring trinomials:
a³+ b³ = (a + b)(a² – ab + b²)
a³ – b³ = (a – b)(a² + ab + b²)
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When "a" =1, then not only will ALWAYS:
a³ =1 ; AND:
a² =1 ; BUT:

As regards to "ab":

"ab", (which equals "a*b") will away equal "b", (assuming b ≠ 0);
since anything multiplied by "1" (except "zero"); equals that same number.

Answer 2

Thank you :D

Answer 3

ya :)