Solving a Quadratic Equation: Finding All Linear Factors

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding all linear factors of the polynomial P(x)=2x^3-3x^2-17x+30, given that x-2 is a factor. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the remainder obtained from synthetic division.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts synthetic division to find other factors but questions the validity of their result due to a non-zero remainder. Participants suggest checking arithmetic and applying the quadratic formula to the resulting quadratic.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering guidance to verify calculations and suggesting methods for further exploration. There is a focus on identifying potential errors in arithmetic and understanding the implications of the remainder in synthetic division.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is a high school sophomore, and there is a mention of forum guidelines, indicating a learning environment. The discussion includes a light-hearted tone, but the focus remains on mathematical reasoning and clarification.

DumbKid88
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
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:
Physics news on Phys.org
Too tempted to make a dumb joke, but I'll wait. :biggrin:

PS: Dk88, welcome to PF! Are you having trouble posting? Have you read the forum guidelines?
 
Sorry i accidentally posted it when I was just trying to preview it.
 
Check your arithmetic [tex]-17 + 2 \ne -19[/tex]

Then when you get a quadratic apply the quadratic formula.
 
SnipedYou said:
Check your arithmetic [tex]-17 + 2 \ne -19[/tex]

Then when you get a quadratic apply the quadratic formula.

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

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K