Factorise f(x)=3x^3+8x^2-20x-16 completely

First we need to use the factor theorem to find a factor.f(1)=-25 so x-1 is not a factorf(-1)=9 so x+1 is not a factorf(2)=0 so x-2 is a factorSo x-2 is our starting point, we need to polynomial division f(x)/x-2.(x-2)(3x^2+14x+8)=3x^3+8x^2-20x-16 by polynomial divisionSo now need to try and factorise 3x^2+14x+83 is prime so in the brakets, (3x+a)(x+b) where a and b are to be foundFactors of 8 are 42 and 81 so either (3x+8)(x+1), (3x+1)(x+8), (3x+2)(x+4) or (3x+4)(x+2) (there are also negatives)From here you can see that (3x+2)(x+4) is correct.Therefore f(x) factorised completely is (3x+2)(x+4)(x-2).

LB
Answered by Luke B. Maths tutor

4952 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How to differentiate the function f(x)= 3x^3 + 2x^-3 - x^(1/2) + 6?


Integrate the function f(x) = 1/(4x-1)


Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the lines 2x + 5y = 5 and x − 2y = 4.


A circle with equation x^2+y^2-2x+8y-40=0. Find the circle centre and the radius


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning