Question

Which binomial is a factor of the polynomial?

x2 + 5x − 36
A) (x + 6)
B) (x + 9)
C) (x + 5)
D) (x + 12)

Answer 1

C

Explanation:

Given

x² + 5x - 36

Consider the factors of the constant term (- 36) which sum to give the coefficient of the x- term (+ 5)

The factors are + 9 and - 4 , since

9 × - 4 = - 36 and 9 - 4 = + 5, thus

x² + 5x - 36 = (x + 9)(x - 4)

Thus (x + 9) is a factor