Factors of Polynomials

Remainder Theorem
For any polynomial 𝑃(𝑥),
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝛼) 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅 , where 𝑃(𝑥) is the Dividend, 𝑄(𝑥) is the
Quotient, R is the Remainder and (𝑥 − 𝛼)is the Divisor

𝑄(𝑥) Quotient
(𝑥 − 𝛼) 𝑃(𝑥) Dividend
Divisor |
|
|
R Remainder

If 𝑥 = 𝛼,
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝛼 − 𝛼) 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅
𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑅
Thus, the Remainder thermo states that if 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by (𝑥 − 𝛼), then,
the Remainder is 𝑃(𝛼) = 𝑅.
Nov 2014 Paper 21, Q5; Jun 2014 Paper 21, Q3(ii); Paper 22, Q6; Jun 2013
Paper 21, Q4; Paper 22, Q3
Given that (x + 2) and (x + 3) are factors of 5x3 + ax2 + b, find the values of
the constants a and b.
Replacing x = -2 in the eqn, − 40 + 4a + b = 0
Replacing x = -3 in the eqn, −135 + 9a + b = 0
Solve a pair of linear simultaneous equations
Obtain a = 19 and b = −36
Factor Theorem