Question

14. f(x) = -x4 + x² + 4; x = -1

Use synthetic division to evaluate the function for the indicated value of x

Answer 1

f(-1) = 4

Explanation:

See below for the synthetic division tableau. The remainder is 4, hence ...

f(-1) = 4

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IMO, in this function it is far easier just to substitute -1 for x. Since the only terms are of even degree, the value of f(-1) is the sum of the coefficients:

f(-1) = -1 +1 +4

f(-1) = 4