If (x-3) is a factor of x^2+mx-3

Answer 1

Using the factor theorem, if (x-3) is a factor of x^2+mx-3, then when x=3 the polynomial should equal zero.

Plug in x=3 into the polynomial x^2+mx-3:

3^2 + 3m - 3 = 0

9 + 3m - 3 = 0

Now simplify the equation:

3m + 6 = 0

3m = -6

m = -2

Therefore, if (x-3) is a factor of x^2+mx-3, then m must equal -2.