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Coordinate Geometry

Question
CBSEENMA9001769

Determine which of the following polynomials has (x + 1) a factor:

x4 + 3x3 + 3x2 + x + 1

Solution

 x4 + 3x3 + 3x2 + x + 1
Let p(x) = x4 + 3x3 + 3x2 + x + 1
The zero of x + 1 is - 1.
P(- 1) = (- 1)4 + 3(- 1)3 + 3(- 1)2 + (- 1) + 1
= 1 - 3 + 3 - 1 + 1 = 1 ≠ 0
∴ By factor theorem, x + 1 is not a factor of x4 + 3x3 + 3x2 + x + 1.