Answer to Question #243129 in Algebra for enKay

Question

A)

The polynomial g(X)=3x^3-2x^2-12x+8

(I) using the factor theorem, show that (X+2) is a factor of g(X)

(II) factorize g(X) completely

Answer 1

(i)

$x+2=0=>x=-2$

$g(-2)=3(-2)^3-2(-2)^2-12(-2)+8$

$=-24-8+24+8=0$

Since $g(-2)=0,$ then by thefactor theorem $(x+2)$ is a factor of $g(x).$

(ii)

$g(x)=3x^3-2x^2-12x+8$

$=3x^2(x+2)-8x(x+2)+4(x+2)$

$=(x+2)(3x^2-8x+4)$

$=(x+2)(3x(x-2)-2(x-2))$

$=(x+2)(x-2)(3x-2)$