Question

If you divide a polynomial by a binomial, how do you know if the binomial is a factor of the polynomial?

Answer 1

you dont even need to divide

if polynomials have a common factor, then they are going to both zero out for the same root

if (x-a) is a factor of P(x)

then P(a) = (a-a) = 0

Answer 2

but if something is a factor, that means the remainder is 0 ... but why didivde it all to start with