Yes, Cecile factored the polynomial correctly because 16x³ + 12x³ - 12x³ - 9 = 16x⁶ - 9.
Polynomial equation
The given polynomial equation can be factorized as follows;
16x⁶ - 9
Apply difference of two squares
16x⁶ - 9 = (4x³)² - 3²
(4x³)² - 3² = (4x³ + 3)(4x³ - 3)
distribute the factors
4x³(4x³ + 3) - 3(4x³ + 3)
open the brackets
16x³ + 12x³ - 12x³ - 9
Thus, we can conclude that Cecile factored the polynomial correctly because 16x³ + 12x³ - 12x³ - 9 = 16x⁶ - 9.
Learn more about polynomial expansion here: https://brainly.com/question/20526305