Question

Solve the polynomial equation p (x) =x³+2x²-5x-6. Which of the following is a factor? (1 point)

A). x +1
B). x +2
C). x -1
D). x -3

Answer 1

A) x + 1

By the Factor Theorem, p(-1) = (-1)^3 + 2(-1)^2 - 5(-1) - 6 = -1 + 2 + 5 - 6 = 0, so x + 1 is a factor. (In fact p(x) = (x+1)(x+3)(x-2).)