Question

Factor the polynomial F(x) =x^3-x^2-4x+4 completely.

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

PART 1:

Possible roots by noticing the coefficient of first term:

x = 1, -1

PART 2:

1 | 1  -1  -4   4

       1   0  -4

   1   0  -4  0

The remainder is zero, hence one factor is (x-1)

PART 3:

$x^3-x^2-4x+4=(x^2-4)(x-1)\\\\x^3-x^2-4x+4=(x+2)(x-2)(x-1)$

PART 4:

$f(x)=(x+2)(x-2)(x-1)\\\\=(x^2-4)(x-1)\\\\=x^3-4x-x^2+4\\\\=x^3-x^2-4x+4$