Math Problem Statement

Given that (x + 3) is a factor, factorise f(x) = 2x^3 + x^2 - 18x - 9.

Solution

We are given the polynomial function f(x)=2x3+x218x9f(x) = 2x^3 + x^2 - 18x - 9 and the information that (x+3)(x + 3) is a factor. We are required to factorize the polynomial.

Since (x+3)(x + 3) is a factor, we can perform polynomial division to divide f(x)f(x) by (x+3)(x + 3). Let's proceed with the division.

Step 1: Polynomial Division

We'll divide 2x3+x218x92x^3 + x^2 - 18x - 9 by x+3x + 3.

  1. Divide the first term: 2x3x=2x2\frac{2x^3}{x} = 2x^2.
  2. Multiply: 2x2(x+3)=2x3+6x22x^2 \cdot (x + 3) = 2x^3 + 6x^2.
  3. Subtract: (2x3+x2)(2x3+6x2)=5x2(2x^3 + x^2) - (2x^3 + 6x^2) = -5x^2.
  4. Bring down the next term: 5x218x-5x^2 - 18x.
  5. Divide the first term: 5x2x=5x\frac{-5x^2}{x} = -5x.
  6. Multiply: 5x(x+3)=5x215x-5x \cdot (x + 3) = -5x^2 - 15x.
  7. Subtract: (5x218x)(5x215x)=3x(-5x^2 - 18x) - (-5x^2 - 15x) = -3x.
  8. Bring down the next term: 3x9-3x - 9.
  9. Divide the first term: 3xx=3\frac{-3x}{x} = -3.
  10. Multiply: 3(x+3)=3x9-3 \cdot (x + 3) = -3x - 9.
  11. Subtract: (3x9)(3x9)=0(-3x - 9) - (-3x - 9) = 0.

The quotient is 2x25x32x^2 - 5x - 3, and the remainder is 0, confirming that (x+3)(x + 3) is indeed a factor.

Step 2: Factorizing the Quotient

Now, we need to factor the quadratic 2x25x32x^2 - 5x - 3.

To factorize 2x25x32x^2 - 5x - 3, we can use the middle-term splitting method.

  1. Find two numbers whose product is 2×3=62 \times -3 = -6 and whose sum is 5-5.
    • The numbers are 6-6 and 11 because (6)+1=5(-6) + 1 = -5 and (6)×1=6(-6) \times 1 = -6.
  2. Rewrite the middle term: 2x26x+x32x^2 - 6x + x - 3
  3. Factor by grouping: 2x(x3)+1(x3)2x(x - 3) + 1(x - 3)
  4. Factor out the common factor: (2x+1)(x3)(2x + 1)(x - 3)

Final Factorization

The full factorization of f(x)=2x3+x218x9f(x) = 2x^3 + x^2 - 18x - 9 is: f(x)=(x+3)(2x+1)(x3)f(x) = (x + 3)(2x + 1)(x - 3)

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you determine the roots of the polynomial f(x)=2x3+x218x9f(x) = 2x^3 + x^2 - 18x - 9 after factorization?
  2. How can synthetic division be used to divide a polynomial instead of polynomial division?
  3. What is the significance of the remainder being zero in polynomial division?
  4. How can the factor theorem be applied to check if a binomial is a factor of a polynomial?
  5. What other methods can be used to factorize cubic polynomials?

Tip: When factorizing a polynomial, always check if simple substitutions or factor theorem can be used before jumping into complex methods.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polynomial Division
Factorization
Cubic Polynomial

Formulas

Polynomial Division
Factorization of Quadratic Equations

Theorems

Factor Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12