Algebra 1 : Polynomials

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Algebra 1

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Example Questions

Example Question #4652 : Algebra 1

Factor the following polynomial: \(\displaystyle 2x^2-5x-3\).

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle (2x+1)(x+3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2x+1)(x-3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2x-1)(x+3)\)

\(\displaystyle (2x+3)(x-1)\)

\(\displaystyle (2x+3)(x+1)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle (2x+1)(x-3)\)

Explanation:

Because the \(\displaystyle x^2\) term has a coefficient, you begin by multiplying the \(\displaystyle a\) and the \(\displaystyle c\) terms (\(\displaystyle ax^2+bx+c\)) together: \(\displaystyle 2\times-3=-6\)

Find the factors of \(\displaystyle -6\) that when added together equal the second coefficient (the \(\displaystyle b\) term) of the polynomial: \(\displaystyle -5\)

There are four factors of \(\displaystyle 6\)\(\displaystyle 1, 2, 3, 6\), and only two of those factors, \(\displaystyle 1, 6\), can be manipulated to equal \(\displaystyle -5\) when added together and manipulated to equal \(\displaystyle -6\) when multiplied together: \(\displaystyle 1, -6\) 

\(\displaystyle 1+-6=-5, 1\times-6=-6\)

Example Question #4653 : Algebra 1

Factor:  \(\displaystyle x^6+2x^3+2x\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2+2)\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{x^6}(x^{-6}+2x^{-2}+2x^{-5})\)

\(\displaystyle x(6x^5+2x^2+2)\)

\(\displaystyle x^3(x^3+4)\)

\(\displaystyle 6x(x^5+2x+\frac{1}{3})\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2+2)\)

Explanation:

For each term in this expression, we will notice that each shares a variable of \(\displaystyle x\).  This can be pulled out as a common factor.

\(\displaystyle x^6+2x^3+2x = x(x^5+2x^2+2)\)

There are no more common factors, and this is the reduced form.

The answer is:  \(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2+2)\)

Example Question #4654 : Algebra 1

Factor:  \(\displaystyle x^6+2x^3-3x\)

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2-3)\)

\(\displaystyle 6x(x^5+2x-\frac{1}{18})\)

\(\displaystyle x(6x^5+2x^2-2)\)

\(\displaystyle \frac{1}{x^6}(x^{-6}+2x^{-2}-3x^{-5})\)

\(\displaystyle x^3(x^3-8)\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2-3)\)

Explanation:

For each term in this expression, we will notice that each shares a variable of \(\displaystyle x\).  This can be pulled out as a common factor.

\(\displaystyle x^6+2x^3-3x = x(x^5+2x^2-3)\)

There are no more common factors, and this is the reduced form.

The answer is:  \(\displaystyle x(x^5+2x^2-3)\)

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