Homework Help: Algebra

Posted by Miranda on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 10:01pm.

Use the Factor Theorem to determine whether x+2 is a factor of P(x)=2x^4+x^3-3x-9.

Specifically, evaluate P at the proper value, and then determine whether x+2 is a factor.

P(__)=

x+2 is or is not a factor of P(x)____

Algebra - MathMate, Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 11:00pm
The factor theorem states that a polynomial f(x) has a factor (x − k) if and only if f(k) = 0.

So if (x+2) is a factor of P(x), then
P(-2)=0.

Since P(-2)= 21, it is clear that (x+2) is not a factor of P(x)=2x^4+x^3-3x-9.

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Math - Use the Factor Theorem to determine whether x-3 is a factor of P(x)=2x^3-...
pre calculus - Use the remainder theorem to find the remainder when f(x) is ...
Using the factor Theorem - use the factor theorem to determine whether x-c is a ...
college algebra - use the remainder theorem to find the remainder when f(x) is ...
college algebra - use the remainder theorem to find the remainder when f(x) is ...
math - use the remainder theorem an the factor theorem to determine whether (y-3...
Algebra 2 - Use the factor theorem to determine whether the binomial is a factor...
precalculus - use remainder therem to find the remainder when f(x) is divided by...
Functions - use the factor theorem to determine whether x-c is a factor of f(x)=...
calculus-can someone please help me with this ques - I have two questions if ...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: