Hello,

When factoring something like a^3k-1 I first algebraically reduce it to
(a^2k+a^k+1)(a^k-1). To crack the first part I need to convert it into a degree
4 or 6 poly, where is the crossover point where I get better results from degree
6?

I assume that near the border I use whichever has the better equation, eg if k
is an odd multiple of 3 I can generate a degree 6 with all coefficients 1 or 0.

Thanks in advance.

Chris K