Can we conclude that x - 4 is a factor of the polynomial
1 answer:
Answer:
No. We can conclude that (x-4) is <u>not</u> a factor of the polynomial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The <em>polynomial remainder theorem</em> tells you (x-4) will be a factor of the polynomial f(x) if and only if f(4) = 0. When we evaluate ...
f(x) = 4x³ -20x² +18x -12
at x=4, we find that f(4) = -4. This is not zero, so (x-4) is not a factor of f(x).
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The evaluation is perhaps easiest done by hand when the function is written in Horner form:
f(x) = ((4x -20)x +18)x -12
f(4) = ((4·4 -10)4 +18)4 -12 = ((-4)4 +18)4 -12 = 2·4 -12
f(4) = -4
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The one real factor of this polynomial is irrational, and the remaining factors are complex and irrational.
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