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Use the factor theorem to show that x - c is a factor of f(x).

f(x) = x^4 - 16; c = -2

f(-2) = _____________

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

f(-2) = 0

Explanation:

Factor Theorem

If f(x) is a polynomial, and f(c) = 0, then (x – c) is a factor of f(x).

Given function:


f(x) = x^4 - 16

Substitute x = -2 into the given function:


\begin{aligned}\implies f(-2)&=(-2)^4-16\\&=16-16\\&=0\end{aligned}

As f(-2) = 0, this proves that (x + 2) is a factor of f(x).

User Shane Smiskol
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