Question

Is (x − 4) a factor of f(x) = x3 − 2x2 + 5x + 1? Use either the remainder theorem or the factor theorem to explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

No, not a factor.

Explanation:

By solving for (x-4) and getting x = 4, if we take that value and subtititute it into the original function, it should result in 0 IF it was a factor of the original function.

After substituting it in, you get a vbalue other than 0, meaning that by the factor theorem, (x-4) is not a factor.