I factored a^2 + b^2 in high school and my teacher made me write the Math textbook author.  (a^1&#x2F;3 – b^1&#x2F;3)(a^2&#x2F;3 + a^1&#x2F;3*b^1&#x2F;3 + b^2&#x2F;3) using fractional exponents. Turns out factors can&#x27;t be irrational numbers but he called it a brilliant derivation for a high school student. Made the local paper..not bad for being wrong...lol.