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

5126 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A particle is moving in the with acceleration (2t - 3) ms^-2 and initial velocity 2ms^-1. Find the distance travelled when the velocity has reached 12ms^-1.


How do I find the angle between a vector and a plane in cartesian form?


Given that y = 16x + x^-1, find the two values of x for which dy/dx = 0


How would I differentiate something in the form of (ax+b)^n


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning