Algebra Solution of x

Question

Determine the solution for x.

P(x) = (x + 3)(x - 5)(x + 1)(x - 2)

Answer options:

1) x = 3, x = -5, x = 1, x = -2

2) x = -3, x = 5, x = 1, x = 2

3) x = 3, x = 5, x = -1, x = 2

4) x = -3, x = 5, x = -1, x = 2

Answer 1

Hi David.

 

Let's start with the polynomial given.

 

P(x) = (x + 3)(x - 5)(x + 1)(x - 2)

 

To solve this polynomial, set each of the factors equal to zero and solve for x.

 

We have

 

x+3 = 0      x = -3

x-5 = 0       x = 5

x+1 = 0      x = -1

x-2 = 0       x=2

 

So our solution is

 

x=-3, x=5, x=-1, x=2

 

The correct answer is 4)