Questions: Question 14
Use long division to determine whether or not the binomial is a factor of f(x).
f(x)=x^3-3x^2-40x+84; x+6
Transcript text: Question 14
Use long division to determine whether or not the binomial is a factor of $f(x)$.
\[
f(x)=x^{3}-3 x^{2}-40 x+84 ; x+6
\]
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Perform Polynomial Long Division
We begin by dividing the polynomial \( f(x) = x^{3} - 3x^{2} - 40x + 84 \) by the binomial \( x + 6 \).
Divide \( x^{3} \) by \( x \) to get \( x^{2} \).
Multiply \( x^{2} \) by \( x + 6 \) to get \( x^{3} + 6x^{2} \).
Subtract this from the original polynomial, resulting in \( -9x^{2} - 40x + 84 \).
Next, we continue the division:
Divide \( -9x^{2} \) by \( x \) to get \( -9x \).
Multiply \( -9x \) by \( x + 6 \) to get \( -9x^{2} - 54x \).
Subtract this from the current polynomial, resulting in \( 14x + 84 \).
Finally, we complete the division:
Divide \( 14x \) by \( x \) to get \( 14 \).
Multiply \( 14 \) by \( x + 6 \) to get \( 14x + 84 \).
Subtract this from the current polynomial, resulting in a remainder of \( 0 \).
Step 2: Determine Quotient and Remainder
The quotient from the division is:
\[
x^{2} - 9x + 14
\]
The remainder is:
\[
0
\]
Step 3: Analyze the Result
Since the remainder is \( 0 \), this indicates that \( x + 6 \) is a factor of \( f(x) \).
Final Answer
Since the remainder is \( 0 \), we conclude that \( x + 6 \) is indeed a factor of \( f(x) \). Thus, the final answer is:
\[
\boxed{\text{Yes, } x + 6 \text{ is a factor of } f(x).}
\]