Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Answer the following questions about factors and remainders of polynomials. a. (i) State the Factor Theorem for a polynomial in one variable. b. (ii) Explain why, if the remainder obtained on dividing a polynomial p(x)p(x) by (x−a)(x-a) is non-zero, the expression (x−a)(x-a) cannot be a factor of p(x)p(x). c. (iii) A polynomial f(x)=3x2+2x−1f(x)=3x^{2}+2x-1 is divided by (x+1)(x+1) and the remainder is found to be −2-2. Verify this remainder by direct substitution and, using your answer to part (ii), comment on whether (x+1)(x+1) is a factor of f(x)f(x).‎

Browse the problem library