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If x - 2 is a factor polynomial f(x), which of the following statements does NOT have to be true?

User FrancescoC
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4 votes

Answer:

b)

Explanation:

If x - 2 is a factor polynomial f(x), then the polynomial can be expressed as f(x) = (x - 2) g(x), where g(x) is another polynomial.

Using this information, we can check each statement to see which one does NOT have to be true:

A) f(2) = 0:

If x - 2 is a factor of f(x), then plugging in x = 2 gives f(2) = (2 - 2) g(2) = 0. This statement has to be true.

B) f(-2) = 0:

If x - 2 is a factor of f(x), then plugging in x = -2 gives f(-2) = (-2 - 2) g(-2) = -4 g(-2). This statement does NOT have to be true. For example, if g(-2) = 1/(-4), then f(-2) would not equal 0.

C) 2 is a root of f(x):

If x - 2 is a factor of f(x), then 2 is a root of f(x), meaning f(2) = 0. This statement has to be true.

D) 2 is a zero of f(x):

The term "zero" can be interpreted in different ways, but if it means the same as a root or a solution, then this statement is the same as statement C and has to be true.

Therefore, the statement that does NOT have to be true is B) f(-2) = 0.

User Rajagopalan
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