Question

Which of the following is a factor of x4 + 5x3 - 4x2 - 8x + 6

Answer 1

how do you factor out that equation?

Answer 2

You LOOK for roots. If there are Rational roots for this thing they MUST be +/- 1, +/- 2, +/- 3, +/- 6. Those are your ONLY hope of factoring with Rational Numbers. Try them! Do you know the Rational Root Theorem?

Answer 3

is it the same as remainder therem

Answer 4

No, you use the Remainder Theorem to determine if the possible rational roots ARE, in fact, roots. Calculate remainders until you get them all or you find a zero.

Answer 5

i got 1

Answer 6

x = 1 is a rational root. This makes what a factor of the polynomial?

Answer 7

(x+1)?

Answer 8

So close. x = 1 ==> x-1 = 0

(x-1)

Answer 9

oh okay so the x=1 will equal x-1? so how would you get x+1

Answer 10

Why do you need x+1? It isn't a factor unless the original equation is written incorrectly.

x = -1 ==> x+1 = 0