Use the factor theorem to show that (x-1) is a factor of x^3 - 3x^2 -13x + 15

If (x-1) is a factor of x3 - 3x2 -13x + 15 then one of the solutions for x must be x = 1.(This is because, if (x-1) is a factor of this equation then it is true that x-1=0, because this is a point where the curve crosses the x axis and therefore is = to 0. Solving x-1=0 gives x=1)Because we know that if (x-1) is a factor of the curve, the equation must equal 0 when x=1, we can just substitute this in as such:(1)3 - 3(1)2 -13(1) + 15= 1 - 3 - 13 + 15= 16 -16 = 0Therefore we can conclude, using the factor theorem that (x-1) is a factor of x3 - 3x2 -13x + 15

JB
Answered by James B. Further Mathematics tutor

4396 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

l1 and l2 are tangents of a circle. l1 intersects the circle at (3-√3,5) with a gradient of √3, and l2 intersects the circle at (3+√2,4+√2) with a gradient of -1. Find the centre of the circle, and hence find the radius of the circle.


How do I determine if a stationary point on a curve is the maximum or minimum?


If the equation of a curve is x^2 + 9x + 8 = y, then differentiate it.


Make y the subject of the formula x = SQRT((y+1)/(y-2))


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