Algebra II

Question

The polynomial p (x )=2x³+13x²+17x-12 has (x+4) as a factor. Factor the polynomial into three linear terms.

Answer 1

Use synthetic division to find the quadratic factor.

 

-4 | 2      13       17       -12

              -8      -20        12

_________________________

      2       5       -3           0

 

 

p(x) = (x + 4)(2x² + 5x - 3)

 

 

Now factor the quadratic term to factor completely.

 

p(x) = (x + 4)(2x - 1)(x + 3)