Final answer:
To factor the polynomial y = x^3 - 31x + 30 using synthetic division and the factor (x + 5), follow these steps.
Step-by-step explanation:
To factor the given polynomial using synthetic division and the factor (x + 5), follow these steps:
- Arrange the terms of the polynomial in descending order of their exponents: y = x^3 - 31x + 30.
- Set up synthetic division, dividing by the factor (x + 5).
- Perform the synthetic division, bringing down the leading coefficient (1) and multiplying it by the factor (-5) to get -5. Add this result to the next term (-31) to get -26. Multiply this sum by the factor (-5) again to get 130. Subtract this result from the next term (30) to get 160.
- The quotient from synthetic division gives the factors: x^2 - 26x + 160.
- To completely factor the polynomial, set x^2 - 26x + 160 = 0 and solve for x using factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula.
- The factors of the polynomial are (x + 5)(x - 2)(x - 28).