Is Expanding (x - a)^4 Necessary for Factoring 64(x - a)^4 - x + a?

[mathdad]

Factor: 64(x - a)^4 - x + a

Must I expand (x - a)^4 as step 1?

 

[MarkFL]

As a first step, I would write:

$$64(x-a)^4-x+a=64(x-a)^4-(x-a)$$

Next factor out $x-a$, and the other factor will be the difference of cubes. :D

 

[mathdad]

I can take it from here.