Question

Which expression has (x – a) as one of its factors?

A.–(x + a) – 2
B.–2(x + a)
C.(x – a) + 2
D.2(x – a)
i dont get this at all pls help im so lonely and confused...

Answer 1

D

Explanation:

When an expression is divided by its factor, there are no remainders.

Let's look at the number 6.

6= 1(6)= 2(3)

Thus, the factors of 6 are 1,2,3 and 6.

This is because 6 is divisible by all those numbers to give no remainders.

Let's look at the question again.

D. 2(x-a) is divisible by (x-a) since

`(2(x - a))/(x - a) = 2`

A.

`( - (x + a) - 2)/(x - a)`

This fraction cannot be simplified further

B.

`( - 2(x + a))/(x - a)`

This fraction cannot be simplified either

C.

`((x - a) + 2)/(x - a) \\ = (x - a)/(x - a) + (2)/(x - a) \\ = 1 + (2)/(x - a)`

There is a remainder of 2 since 2 cannot be divided by (x-a). Thus, (x-a) is not a factor of this fraction.