Is the binomial a factor of the polynomial function? f(x)=x^3+4x^2−9x−36
Select Yes or No for each binomial.
(x-1)
(x-3)
(x+3)
(x-4)
(x+4)

Answers:

==================================================

Explanation:

We'll use the rule that if p(k) = 0, then x-k is a factor of p(x). This is the special case of the remainder theorem. Some books may call it the factor theorem.

The term x-1 is in the form x-k with k = 1.

Plug this into the function

We end up with a nonzero value, which means (x-1) is not a factor of f(x).

Now let's move to x-3 which shows k = 3

We get 0 so this shows (x-3) is a factor of f(x).

Repeat those steps for the following k values

They correspond to (x+3), (x-4), (x+4) in that order.

You should find that the k values -3 and -4 will lead to f(x) = 0. This means (x+3) and (x+4) are also factors of f(x). The input x = 4 leads to f(x) = 56 which means we rule out (x-4).

In summary, (x-3), (x+3) and (x+4) are factors of f(x).

--------------------

Another alternative is to graph f(x) as shown below. The x intercepts or roots of f(x) are -4, -3 and 3. Those roots lead to the factors (x+4), (x+3) and (x-3) in that order.

associative property hopes this ! : )

step-by-step explanation: