Math Problem Statement

x + 3 is a factor of P(x) = x^3 - 7x^2 + 15x - 9. Is this true or false?

Solution

The question asks whether x+3x + 3 is a factor of the polynomial P(x)=x37x2+15x9P(x) = x^3 - 7x^2 + 15x - 9. To verify this, we use the Factor Theorem:

  1. According to the Factor Theorem, x+3x + 3 is a factor of P(x)P(x) if and only if P(3)=0P(-3) = 0.
  2. Substitute x=3x = -3 into P(x)P(x): P(3)=(3)37(3)2+15(3)9P(-3) = (-3)^3 - 7(-3)^2 + 15(-3) - 9 Simplify step by step: P(3)=277(9)+15(3)9P(-3) = -27 - 7(9) + 15(-3) - 9 P(3)=2763459P(-3) = -27 - 63 - 45 - 9 P(3)=144P(-3) = -144

Since P(3)0P(-3) \neq 0, x+3x + 3 is not a factor of P(x)P(x).

Correct answer: B. False

Let me know if you want a detailed explanation of the Factor Theorem! Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you verify if a different factor works for a polynomial?
  2. Can synthetic division be used to test if x+cx + c is a factor? How?
  3. What happens when P(x)P(x) has repeated factors?
  4. How does the Factor Theorem relate to the Remainder Theorem?
  5. What are the possible ways to factorize a cubic polynomial like x37x2+15x9x^3 - 7x^2 + 15x - 9?

Tip: The Factor Theorem is a powerful tool for determining roots and simplifying polynomial division!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Division
Factor Theorem

Formulas

P(c) = 0 if and only if x - c is a factor of P(x)

Theorems

Factor Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12