# Dumb Question

1. Dec 3, 2007

### DumbKid88

Ok this should be pretty simple math for you guys (Sophomore in HS)

Given that x-2 is a factor of P(x)=2x^3-3x^2-17x+30, find all other linear factors.

I started out doing synthetic division, and got 2x^2-x-19 with remainder -8. Shouldn't the remainder be zero since x-2 is a factor?

Please Help!

Last edited: Dec 3, 2007
2. Dec 3, 2007

### Gokul43201

Staff Emeritus
Too tempted to make a dumb joke, but I'll wait.

PS: Dk88, welcome to PF! Are you having trouble posting? Have you read the forum guidelines?

3. Dec 3, 2007

### DumbKid88

Sorry i accidentally posted it when I was just trying to preview it.

4. Dec 3, 2007

### SnipedYou

Check your arithmetic $$-17 + 2 \ne -19$$

Then when you get a quadratic apply the quadratic formula.

5. Dec 3, 2007

### DumbKid88

And that, my friend, is why my name is DumbKid. Ya -3 +4 surely is not -1. Thanx for the help.

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