Question

How do you determine whether x+2 is a factor of the polynomial `2x^3-x^2-5x-8`?

Answer 1

not a factor.

Explanation:

Using the `color(blue)"Remainder rheorem"`

`"If "(x+h)" is a factor then " P(-h)=0`

`"for "(x+2),h=-2`

`rArr2x^3-x^2-5x-8`

`=2(-2)^3-(-2)^2-5(-2)-8≠0`

`rArr(x+2)" is not a factor of the polynomial"`