Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
4. Polynomial Functions
Dividing Polynomials
Problem 65
Textbook Question
The remainder theorem indicates that when a polynomial ƒ(x) is divided by x-k, the remainder is equal to ƒ(k). Consider the polynomial function ƒ(x) = x^3 - 2x^2 - x+2. Use the remainder theorem to find each of the following. Then determine the coor-dinates of the corresponding point on the graph of ƒ(x). ƒ (-2)
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1
Identify the polynomial function: \( f(x) = x^3 - 2x^2 - x + 2 \).
According to the remainder theorem, when a polynomial \( f(x) \) is divided by \( x - k \), the remainder is \( f(k) \).
Substitute \( x = -2 \) into the polynomial to find \( f(-2) \).
Calculate \( f(-2) = (-2)^3 - 2(-2)^2 - (-2) + 2 \).
Simplify the expression to find the remainder, which is also the y-coordinate of the point on the graph where \( x = -2 \).
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Remainder Theorem
The Remainder Theorem states that when a polynomial f(x) is divided by a linear divisor of the form x - k, the remainder of this division is equal to f(k). This theorem simplifies the process of evaluating polynomials at specific points, allowing us to find the value of the polynomial without performing long division.
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Polynomial Functions
A polynomial function is a mathematical expression involving a sum of powers in one or more variables multiplied by coefficients. In this case, the polynomial f(x) = x^3 - 2x^2 - x + 2 is a cubic polynomial, which means its highest degree is three. Understanding the structure of polynomial functions is essential for applying the Remainder Theorem effectively.
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Graphing Points
Graphing points involves plotting the coordinates of a function on a Cartesian plane. For the polynomial function f(x), once we calculate f(-2), we can determine the corresponding point on the graph, which will be represented as (-2, f(-2)). This visual representation helps in understanding the behavior of the polynomial and its roots.
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Graphing Equations of Two Variables by Plotting Points
Related Practice