Question

Is x + 3 a factor of P(x) = x³ - 5x² + 3x + 9 ? Explain.​

Answer 1

no

Explanation:

using the Factor theorem.

If (x + h) is a factor of f(x) then f(- h) = 0

for factor (x + 3) then evaluate P(- 3)

P(- 3) = (- 3)³ - 5(- 3)² + 3(- 3) + 9 = - 27 - 45 - 9 + 9 = - 72

since f(- 3) ≠ 0 then (x + 3) is not a factor of P(x)