Explain why x^2 + 5x + 8 is prime (not factorable). How do you know? Give 2 examples of a prime polynomial (they cannot both be binomials). Give 2 examples of polynomials that are NOT prime (they cannot both be binomials), factor them, and explain what you did to factor them.

Question

Explain why x^2 + 5x + 8 is prime (not factorable).  How do you know?  Give 2 examples of a prime polynomial (they cannot both be binomials).  Give 2 examples of polynomials that are NOT prime (they cannot both be binomials), factor them, and explain what you did to factor them.

How would you explain to another student how to decide if any given polynomial is prime or not?

bobpursley · Answer

x^2+5x+25/4 = 25/4-8 (x+5/2)^2=-7/4 Hmmm. a perfect square cannot be a negative number, not in the real domain.

djd · Answer

mememme