Question

Determine if x − 2 is a factor of p ( x ) = x 4 − 3 x 2 + 2 x − 8 , and explain why.

Answer 1

Explanation:

If x − 2 is a factor of p(x), then p(2) will equal 0.

p(x) = x⁴ − 3x² + 2x − 8

p(2) = 2⁴ − 3(2)² + 2(2) − 8

p(2) = 16 − 12 + 4 − 8

p(2) = 0

So x − 2 is indeed a factor of p(x).