Math Problem Statement

Factorize: 3x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 using factor theorem.

Solution

To factorize the polynomial 3x3+17x2+22x+83x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 using the Factor Theorem, we need to find at least one root of the polynomial. If we find a root rr, then xrx - r is a factor of the polynomial.

Let's go through the steps:

  1. Identify Possible Rational Roots: According to the Rational Root Theorem, any rational root of the polynomial must be a factor of the constant term (8) divided by a factor of the leading coefficient (3). So, the possible rational roots are: ±1,±2,±4,±8,±13,±23,±43,±83\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 4, \pm 8, \pm \frac{1}{3}, \pm \frac{2}{3}, \pm \frac{4}{3}, \pm \frac{8}{3}

  2. Testing Possible Roots: We substitute these values into the polynomial to see if any of them yield zero. Starting with simpler values:

    • For x=1x = -1: 3(1)3+17(1)2+22(1)+8=3+1722+8=03(-1)^3 + 17(-1)^2 + 22(-1) + 8 = -3 + 17 - 22 + 8 = 0 Since f(1)=0f(-1) = 0, x=1x = -1 is a root, and therefore x+1x + 1 is a factor.
  3. Divide the Polynomial by x+1x + 1: Now, we perform synthetic division or polynomial division to divide 3x3+17x2+22x+83x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 by x+1x + 1.

    After dividing, we get: 3x3+17x2+22x+8=(x+1)(3x2+14x+8)3x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 = (x + 1)(3x^2 + 14x + 8)

  4. Factor the Quotient Further: Now, we need to factor 3x2+14x+83x^2 + 14x + 8. We can use factoring techniques or the quadratic formula to find the factors.

    Solving 3x2+14x+8=03x^2 + 14x + 8 = 0 gives the roots: x=43 and x=2x = -\frac{4}{3} \text{ and } x = -2 So, 3x2+14x+8=(3x+4)(x+2)3x^2 + 14x + 8 = (3x + 4)(x + 2).

  5. Write the Final Factorization: Combining all factors, we get: 3x3+17x2+22x+8=(x+1)(3x+4)(x+2)3x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 = (x + 1)(3x + 4)(x + 2)

So, the factorization of 3x3+17x2+22x+83x^3 + 17x^2 + 22x + 8 is: (x+1)(3x+4)(x+2)(x + 1)(3x + 4)(x + 2)

Would you like further details on any of the steps?

Here are some related questions that might be useful:

  1. How does the Factor Theorem help in factorizing polynomials?
  2. Can synthetic division be used for polynomials with non-integer roots?
  3. What is the Rational Root Theorem, and how does it work?
  4. How do you determine the possible rational roots of a polynomial?
  5. What are other methods to factorize a polynomial if the Factor Theorem does not apply?

Tip: Always verify your factors by multiplying them to see if you get the original polynomial. This ensures accuracy in factorization.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Polynomial Factorization
Synthetic Division

Formulas

Rational Root Theorem
Factor Theorem
Quadratic Formula

Theorems

Factor Theorem
Rational Root Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12