Question

Is x + 2 a factor of x^20 - 4x^18 + 3x - 6

Answer 1

Answer: (x-2) is not a factor

Step-by-step explanation:

x^20 - 4x^18 +3x - 6 = 0 is a polynomial.

To test if (x + 2) is a factor, we are to use factor theorem

Make x the subject of the formula

x + 2 = 0

x = 0 - 2

x = -2

Put x = -2 into the equation. If the result on both the left hand side and right hand side is 0, then (x + 2) is a factor

(-2)^20 - 4(-2)^18 + 3(-2) - 6 = 0

1048576 - 4(262144) -6 -6 =0

1048576 - 1048576 -12 = 0

0 -12 = 0

-12 =0

Since LHS is not equal to RHS. (x+2) is not a factor of the equation