Question

To use Long Division of Polynomials to verify that x = a/b is a zero on a polynomial function P(x), the divisor would be

A) ax - b
B) ax + b
C) bx + a
D) bx - a

Answer 1

D) bx - a

Explanation:

If a/b is a zero, then (x -a/b) is a factor of the polynomial. That is, the value x=a/b will make a factor of the polynomial be zero.

The above factor can be written without fractions by multiplying it by b:

(bx -a) . . . . matches choice D

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You can also choose the answer on the basis of which expression becomes zero when x=a/b.