If (x - 3) represents the side of a cube, what is the
polynomial that represents its volume?

x³ - 9x² + 27x - 27

Step-by-step explanation:

The volume (V) of a cube is calculated as

V = s³ ( s is the measure of the side ) , thus

V = (x - 3)³

   = (x - 3)(x - 3)(x - 3) ← expand the second/ third factors using FOIL

   = (x - 3)(x² - 6x + 9) ← distribute

   = x³ - 6x² + 9x - 3x² + 18x - 27 ← collect like terms

   = x³ - 9x² + 27x - 27