What does this mean : "write the function as a product of linear and irreducible quadratic factors with real coefficients"?
f(x)=x^3-x^2-x-2

Question

What does this mean : "write the function as a product of linear and irreducible quadratic factors with real coefficients"?
f(x)=x^3-x^2-x-2

anonymous · Answer

$$x ^{3}-x ^{2}-x-2$$

anonymous · Answer

Do you have to show your work, or just get an answer?

tkhunny · Answer

Always show your work.

It means "Factor Completely" if you are reading an Algebra I book.

anonymous · Answer

Yeah, they just want you to factor that expression as much as possible.

anonymous · Answer

Do you know about synthetic division?

anonymous · Answer

a little, yes

anonymous · Answer

What are the possible factors for your polynomial using the rational root theorem?

anonymous · Answer

i'll save you some time...gotta go here... possible roots (or factors) are +-1 and +-2.
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