Answer:
(x - 3) (5x + 1)(x + 1).
Explanation:
5x^3 - 9x^2 - 17x - 3
As the first coefficient is 5 and the last -3, so product is -15, we could try if (x-3) is a factor:
By the Factor Theorem, if x-3 is a factor then f(3) = 0.
f(3) = 5(3)^3 - 9(3)^2 - 17(3) - 3
= 135 - 81 - 51 - 3 = 0
So, x - 3 is a factor.
Now divide:
x - 3)5x^3 - 9x^2 - 17x - 3(5x^2 + 6x + 1 <------- Quotient
5x^3 - 15x^2
6x^2 - 17x
6x^2 - 18x
x - 3
x - 3
.......
Factoring 5x^2 + 6x + 1:
= (5x + 1)(x + 1)
So, the answer is:
(x - 3) (5x + 1)(x + 1).