Using the factor theorem, factorise x^4 - 3x^3 - 3x^2 + 11x - 6

Well the question states that it wants you to use the factor theorem so it would be a good idea to write down the factor theorem to remind ourselves."A polynomial f(x) has a factor (x - a) if and only if f(a) = 0" There's no exact science behind this next part, we just start guessing at factors:f(-1) = (-1)^4 - 3(-1)^3 - 3(-1)^2 + 11(-1) - 6 = -16f(1) = 1^4 - 31^3 - 31^2 + 11 -6 = 0, thus (x - 1) is a factor(x - 1)( _ _ _ _ _ ) = (x^4 - 3x^3 - 3x^2 + 11x - 6)[Here I'll give an example of using the grid multiply two numbers and then I'll show how it can be used to find the missing polynomial in this equation but it is impossible to type the method in this box but I'll do it on the whiteboard during the interview :) ](x - 1)(x^3 - 2x^2 - 5x + 6)Once you're confident with the grid method you can try to do it without using the grid(x - 1)(x + 2)(x^2 - 4x +3)(x - 1)(x + 2)(x - 1)(x - 3)(x + 2)(x - 3)(x - 1)^2

KG
Answered by Kester G. Maths tutor

4023 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do i remember the difference between differentiation and integration?


Integrate (x^3 - x^2 - 5x + 7) with respect to x.


Particle A mass 0.4kg and B 0.3kg. They move in opposite direction and collide. Before collision, A had speed 6m/s and B had 2m/s. After collision B had 3m/s and moved in opposite direction. Find speed of A after collision with direction and Impulse on B.


Integration of ln(x)


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