True or false

[rachael724]

2x + 1 is a factor of 10x3 - 17x2 - 7x + 2

a. True
b. False


I am leaning towards true, am I wrong?

 

[Unco]

Let P(x) = 10x³ - 17x² - 7x + 2

If (2x + 1) is a factor, then 2x + 1 = 0 is a solution.

That is, x = -1/2.

Plug this into the polynomial, P(x), to see if it does indeed give a remainder of zero.

 

[Gene]

10x^3 - 17x^2 - 7x + 2
Notice another proper way to type exponents.
-----------------
Gene

 

[stapel]

Another method of solution: Use long division to see if you get a zero remainder when you divide the polynomial by the proposed factor.

Hope that helps a bit.

Eliz.