Question

Determine whether 2 is a zero of the polynomial P(x) = 2x3 – 5x2 + 4x – 6 by using the Remainder Theorem. Explain how the Remainder Theorem is useful in finding the zeros of a polynomial function

Answer 1

plug 2 into P(x)
if this comes to zero it means that the remainder is zero - that is (x - 2) is a factor and one zero is 2.

the remainder theorem states that if P(x) is divided by x - a then f(a) gives the remainder.

Answer 2

P(2) = 16 - 20 + 8 - 6 = -2
so 2 is not a zero
remainder when (x-2) is divided into P(x) is -2

Answer 3

thank you!

Answer 4

your welcome