About Factor Theorem:
The factor theorem is a direct result of the remainder theorem. We know that a polynomial function can be written in the form of f(x) = (x - k)q(x) + r. If f(k) = 0, then this tells us that x - k is a factor of f(x).
Test Objectives
- Demonstrate an understanding of synthetic division and the remainder theorem
- Demonstrate the ability to use the factor theorem to find factors
- Demonstrate the ability to use the factor theorem to factor a polynomial function
#1:
Instructions: Determine if g(x) is a factor of f(x).
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^4 + 2x^3 + x + 2$$ $$g(x)=x + 1$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^4 - 2x^3 - 64x + 128$$ $$g(x)=x - 2$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution View the Written Solution
#2:
Instructions: Determine if g(x) is a factor of f(x).
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^5 - 2x^4 + 5x^3 - 10x^2 + 6x - 12$$ $$g(x)=x + 3$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^5 - 5x^4 + 11x^3 - 55x^2 + 18x - 90$$ $$g(x)=x - 5$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution View the Written Solution
#3:
Instructions: Determine if g(x) is a factor of f(x).
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^4 + 8x^3 + 13x^2 - 16x - 30$$ $$g(x)=x - 1$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^4 + 2x^3 + 27x + 54$$ $$g(x)=x + 3$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution View the Written Solution
#4:
Instructions: f(k) = 0, factor each.
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^3 - 7x + 6$$ $$k=-3$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^3 - 2x^2 - x + 2$$ $$k=2$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution View the Written Solution
#5:
Instructions: f(k) = 0, factor each.
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^3 - 21x - 20$$ $$k=5$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=x^3 - 7x^2 + 16x - 12$$ $$k=2$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution View the Written Solution
Written Solutions:
#1:
Solutions:
$$a)\hspace{.2em}\text{Yes}$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}\text{Yes}$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution
#2:
Solutions:
$$a)\hspace{.2em}\text{No}$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}\text{Yes}$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution
#3:
Solutions:
$$a)\hspace{.2em}\text{No}$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}\text{Yes}$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution
#4:
Solutions:
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=(x - 2)(x - 1)(x + 3)$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=(x - 1)(x + 1)(x - 2)$$
Watch the Step by Step Video Solution
#5:
Solutions:
Scroll Right for More »
$$a)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=(x + 1)(x + 4)(x - 5)$$
$$b)\hspace{.2em}f(x)=(x - 3)(x - 2)^2$$