Chapter 4

Factors and polynomials

This section will show you how to:

■ use the remainder and factor theorems

■ find factors of polynomials
M solve cubic equations.
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

4.1 Adding,subtracting and multiplying polynomials

A polynomial is a an expression of the form
+ ... + Cq

where:

• X is a variable

• n is a non-negative integer
• the coefficients are constants

• is called the leading coefficient and 0

• Uq is called the constant term.
The highest power of x in the polynomial is called the degree of
the polynomial.
You already know the special names for polynomials of degree 1, 2 and 3.
These are shown in the table below together with the special name for a
polynomial of degree 4.

Polynomial expression Degree Name

ax + b, a ^0 1 linear

ax^ + bx + c, a ^0 2 quadratic
ax^ -1- bx'^ + CX + d, a ^0 3 cubic

ax^ + bx^ + cx^ ■¥ dx + e, a ^ d 4 quartic

The next example is a recap on how to add, subtract and multiply polynomials.

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

If P(x) = - 5 and Q(x) = x® + 2x - 1, find an expression for

a P(x) + Q(x), b P(x)-Q(x), c 2Q(x), d P(x)Q(x).

Answers

a P (x) + Q (x) = 2x® - 6x^ - 5 + x^ + 2x -1 collect like terms

= 3x® — 6x^ + 2x — 6

b P (x) - Q (x) = (2x' - 6x2 _ 5) _ + 2x - l) remove brackets

= 2x® - 6x2 _ 5 _ ^3 _ 2x + 1 collect like terms
= X® - 6x2 - 2x - 4

c 2Q(x) = 2(x3 + 2x-1)

= 2x^ + 4x - 2

d P(x)Q(x) = (2x® — 6x2 _ s){x^ + 2x — l)

= 2x'^ (x® + 2x — l) — 6x2 ^ 2x — l) - 5 (x^ + 2x - l)
= 2x® + 4x^ - 2x' — 6x^ — 12x® + 6x2 _ 5^3 _ ^g
= 2x® - 6x® + 4x^ - 19x® + 6x2 _ jq^ ^ 5
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

CLASS DISCUSSION

P(x) is a polynomial of degree p and Q(x) is a polynomial of degree q, where p> q.

Discuss with your classmates what the degree of each of the following polynomials is;
P(^) + Q(x) 2P(x) Q(x) + 5
-3Q(x) P2{x) [Q(^)]'
P(x)Q(x) QPW Q(x) - P(x)

Exercise 4.1
1 If P(x)= 3x'^ + - 1 and Q(x)= 2x^ + + 1, find an expression for
a P(x)+ Q(x)
b 3P(x)+ Q(x)
c P(x)-2Q(x)
d P(x)Q(x).
2 Find the following products,
a (2x-l)(4x^+X + 2) b (x3 + 2x'^ - l)(3x + 2)
c (3x^ + 2x - 5)(x^ + + 4) d (x + 2)'^(3x3 ^ ^
e (x^ - 5x + 2)^ f {Sx-lf
3 Simplify each of the following,
a (2x - 3)(x + 2)+(x + l)(x -1)
b (3x + l)(x^ + 5x + 2)-(x^ - 4x + 2)(x + 3)
c (2x3 + ^ + 3^ _ 4) _ + 2)(x3 - x2 + 5x + 2)
4 If f(x) = 2x^ - X - 4 and g(x) = x^ + 5x + 2,find an expression for
a f(x)+ »g(x)
b [f(x)]^
c f^(x)
d gf(x).
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

4.2 Division of polynomials

To be able to divide a polynomial by another polynomial you first need to
remember how to do long division with numbers.
The steps for calculating 5508 17 are:
324
1 7)5508 Divide 55 by 17
51 i 3 X 17 - 51
40 55 - 51 = 4, bring down the 0 from the next column
3_4 Divide 40 by 17, 2 x 17 = 34
68 40- 34 = 6, bring down the 8 from the next column
68 Divide 68 by 17, 4 x 17 = 68
0 68 - 68 = 0

So 5508 -17 = 324

dividend divisor quotient

The same process can be applied to the division of polynomials.

WORKED EXAMPLE 2 1
Divide x'- 5x^ + 8x -4 by x-2.

Answers

Step 1:
X?
X - 2) - 5x^ + 8x - 4 divide the first term of the polynomial hjx,x^^x -
x^- 2x^ i multiply (x - 2) byx2, x^{x -2)= x® -2x2
—Sx? + 8x subtract, (x® — 5x2) _ ^^3 _ ^x'^) =-3x2
bring down the 8x from the next column
Step 2:Repeat the process
x^ - 3x
X - 2) -5x^ + 8x - 4
x^-2x^
-3x^ + 8x divide -3x2 ^ —3^2^ x = —3x
—3x^ + 6x ,, multiply(x — 2) by—3x, —3x(x — 2)= —3x2 ^
2x-4 subtract,(-3x2 + _ (—3x2 + _ 2x
bring down the -4 from the next column
Step 3:Repeat the process
x^ - 3x + 2
X - 2)x^ -5x^ + 8x - 4
x3-2x2
-3x2 + 8^
—3x2
2x-4 divide 2x by x; 2x -r x = 2
2x-4 multiply (.X — 2) by 2, 2(x — 2) = 2x — 4
0 subtract,(2x — 4) — (2x — 4) =0

So (x® - 5x2 gjc - 4)-5-(x - 2)= x2 - 3x + 2.

 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics
J
WORKED EXAMPLE 3
r
Divide 2x'' - x + 51 by x + 3.
There are no x2 terms in 2x^ -x + 51 so we write it as 2x3 q^2 _ + 5J

Answers

Step 1:
2x2
x +3)2x3+0x2- 52 divide the first term of the polynomial by x, 2x3 ^ = 2x2
2r + 6x2 1 multiply (x + 3) by 2x2, 2x2(x + 3)= 2x3 g^2
-6x2 _ ^ subtract, (2x3 ^ ^ 5^2^ =-6x2
bring down the -x from the next column

Step 2; Repeat the process

2x2 _ 0^
x +3)2x3+ 0x2- x+51
2x3+ 6x2
-6x2 _ ^ divide -6x2 —6x2 ^ = —6x
—6x2 - 18x ' multiply (x + 3) by-6x,-6x(x + 3)=-6x2 _
I7x+51 subtract, (-6x2- x)-(-6x2 _ jg^^ = 17x
bring down the 51 from the next column
Step 3: Repeat the process
x2 - 6x+ 17
X + 3)2x3+0^2 _ 52
2x3^

—6x2 _ Jgjj.
17x+51 divide I7x by .x, I7x ^ x = 17
1
17x+51 multiply (x + 3) by 17, 17(x + 3) = 17x + 51
H 0 subtract,(17x + 51)-(I7x + 51) =0
DL
So (2x3 _ j(. + 5j^ ^
1

3) _ 2x^ - 6x +17.

Exercise 4.2
Simplify each of the following,
a (x'"® + 3x^ - 46x - 48)^(x + 1) b (x^ — x2 - 3x + 2)-5-(x — 2)
c (x^ - 20x2 + loOx - 125)-(x - 5) d (x3 - 3x - 2)-J- (x - 2)
e (x'^ — 3x2 _ 32^ 33^ _ *7^ f (x3 + 2x2 _ 9^ _ ig)^ (;c + 2)
Simplify each of the following.
a (3x^ + 8x2 ^ 3^ _ 2) (x + 2) b (6x3 +11x2 -3x-2)-5-(3x + 1)
c (3x3 - 11x2 + 20)-(x - 2) d (3x3 _ 21^2 + 4^ _ 28)-(x - 7)
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

3 Simplify.
- Sx^ — 4x + 4 ^ 2x3 + 9^2 + 25
a b
X -1 X +5
5x^ — 50% + 8 ^ x3 - 14x - 15
'3x2 +i2x-2 x2 — 3x — 5
4 a Divide x^ — 1 by (x + 1). b Divide x^ -8 by (x - 2).

4.3 The factor theorem

In Worked example 2 you found that x - 2 divided exactly into
(x3 - 5x2 _ 4j _
(x3 - 5x2 + g^ _ 4^ ^ _ 2)= x2 - 3x + 2
This can also be written as:

(x3 - 5x2 ^ gj^ _ 4^ _ _ 2)(x2 - 3x + 2)

If a polynomial P(x) is divided exactly by a linear factor x - c to give the
polynomial Q(x), then
P(x)=(x - c)Q(x).
Substituting x = c into this formula gives P(c)= 0.
Hence:

Iffor a polynomial P(x), P(c) =0 then x - c is a factor of P(x).

This is known as the factor theorem.

For example, when x = 2,

4x3 - 8x2 - X + 2 = 4(2)3 _ g(2)2 - 2+ 2- 32-32- 2+ 2 = 0.
Therefore x - 2 is a factor of 4x3 _ ^ ^2.

The factor theorem can be extended to:

Iffor a polynomial P(x), = 0 then ax-b is a factor of P(x).

For example, when x = —,

4x3-2x2+ 8x-4 = 4|^ij

Therefore 2x - I is a factor of 4x3 - 2x2 + gjj, _ 4
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

CLASS DISCUSSION

Discuss with your classmates which of the following expressions are

exactly divisible by *- 2.

- X -2 2x^ + 5x^ - 4x - 3 X® - 4x^ + 8x -8

2x^ - + Sx^ -2x -5 x^ -8 3x^ - 8x -8
dx^ - lOx^ - 18 - 4x - 4 x^ + X + 10

WORKED EXAMPLE 4

Show that X - 3 is a factor of — 6x^ + llx — 6 by

a algebraic division
b the factor theorem.

Answers

a Divide - 6x^ + llx -■6 by X - 3.

— 3x + 2
X - 3) x^ - 6x^ + llx - 6
X? — 3x^
-3x2 + 11^
-3x2 ^
2x- 6
2x- 6
0

The remainder = 0, so x - 3 is a factor of x^ - 6x2 + -6 .

b Let f(x) = x^ — 6x2 + _5 i f f(3) = 0,then x — 3 is a factor.

f(3) = (3)®-6(3^ + 11(3)-6
= 27-54 + 33-6
= 0
So X - 3 is a factor of x^-6x2 +llx-6.
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

WORKED EXAMPLE 5

2x^ + x — \ is a factor of 2x^ - x^ + ax + b.

Find the value of a and the value of b.

Answers

Let f(x:) = — x^ + ax + b.
If 2x^ + jc - 1 =(2*- l)(x: + 1) is a factor off(x), then 2x - 1 and AS + 1 are also factors
off(*).

Using the factor theorem f = 0 and f(-l)= 0.

f(|)= 0 gives 2(i) =0

1 1 +-+i=0
« . ev
4 4 2
a = -2b
"(1)

f(-l)= 0 gives 2(-if -(-if + a(-l)+ b = 0

-2-l-a + b = 0

a = b-3 -(2)
(2)= (1) gives b-3 = -2b
5b = 3
b=l
Substituting in (9) gives a =-2.
So a =-2,6 = 1.

Exercise 4.3
1 Use the factor theorem to show:
a AC -4 is a factor of - 6x + 8
b AC + 1 is a factor of -Sx -2
c x-2 is a factor of 5ac^ - 17ac^ + 28
d 3ac + 1 is a factor of +1 - 3x - 2.
2 Find the value of a in each of the following,
a X + 1 is a factor of 6x^ + 27x^ + ax + 8.
b X + 7 is a factor of x^ - 5x^ - 6x + a.
c 2x + 3 is a factor of 4x^ + ax^ + 29x + 30.
3 X - 2 is a factor of x^ + ax^ + bx - 4.
Express b in terms of a.
4 Find the value of a and the value of b in each of the following,
a x^ + 3x - 10 is a factor of x^ + ax^ + 6x + 30.
b 2x^ - 1 Ix + 5 is a factor of ax^ - 17x^ + bx- 15.
c 4x^ - 4x - 15 is a factor of 4x^ + ax^ + 6x + 30.
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

5 It is given that -5x +6 and x^ - 6*^ + llx + a have a common factor.

Find the possible value of a.
6 X - 2 is a common factor of 3x^ -{a - b)x -8 and -(a + b)x + 30.
Find the value of a and the value of b.

7 3c -3 and 2jc - 1 are factors of 2*^ - px^ - 2qx + q.

a Find the value of p and the value of q.
b Explain why x + 3 is also a factor of the expression.
8 X + a is a factor of x^ + 8x^ + Aax - 3a.
a Show that - 4a^ + 3a = 0.
b Find the possible values of a.

4.4 Cubic expressions and equations

Consider factorising x^ - 5x^ + 8x - 4 completely.
In Worked example 2 you found that (x^ - 5x^ + 8x - 4)-s-(x - 2)= x^ - 3x + 2.
This can be rev/ritten as: x^ — 5x^ + 8x - 4 =(x - 2)(x^ — 3x + 2).
Factorising completely gives: x^ - 5x^ + 8x - 4 =(x - 2)(x - 2)(x - 1).
Hence if you know one factor of a cubic expression it is possible to then
factorise the expression completely. The next example illustrates three
different methods for doing this.

WORKED EXAMPLE6

Factorise — 3x^ — 13x +15 completely.

Answers

Let f(x)= — 3x^ — 13x +15.

The positive and negative factors of 15 are ±1, +3, ±5 and ±15.
f(l) =(if -3 X(if -13 X (1)+15 = 0
So X - 1 is a factor off(x).
The other factors can be found by any of the following methods.
Method 1 (by trial and error)
f(x)= x^ - 3x^ - 13x +15
f(1)= (1)® - 3 X (1)'- 13 X (1)+ 15 = 0
So X - 1 is a factor off(x).
f(-3)= (-3)^ -3 X (-3)^ -13 X (-3)+15 = 0
So X + 3 is a factor off(x).

f(5)= (5)^ -3 X (5)^ -13 X(5)+15 = 0

So X -5 is a factor off(x).
Hence f(x)=(x - l)(x - 5)(x + 3)
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

Method 2 (by long division)

)?— 2x-15
X -l)x^-3x2- 13^+15

—2}P — ISx
-2}P + 2x
—15x+ 15
—15x+ 15
0

f(x) = (x - l)(x^ -2x- 15)

= (x - 1)(x — 5){x + 3)

Method 3 (by equating coefficients)

Since x — 1 is a factor, x^ — 3x^ — 13x + 15 can be written as:
x^ — 5x^ - 13x +15 =(x - l)(ax^ + bx + c)

coefficient of is 1, so a constant term is -15, so c = -15

since 1x1 = 1 since -1 X -15 = 15

x^ - 5x^ - 13x + 15 =(x - l)(x^ + bx-15) expand and collect like terms
x^ - 3x^ - 13x +15 = x^ +(6 - l)x^ +{-b - 15)x + 15
Equating coefficients of x^: 6- 1 = -3
b = -2

f(x)=(x - l)(x^ - 2x -15)

= (x - l)(x - 5)(x + 3)

WORKED EXAMPLE 7

Solve 2x'- 3x2 - I8x - 8 = 0.

Answers

Let f(x) = 2x® - 3x2 _ _g

The positive and negative factors of8 are ±1,±2,±4 and ±8.
f(-2)= 2(-2)® - 3 X (-2)^ -18 X(-2)-8 = 0
So X + 2 is a factor off(x).
2x^ - 3x2 _ jgjj _ g _ + 2)(ax2 + 6x + c)

coefficient of is 2, so « = 2 constant term is -8, so c = -4

since 1x2= 2 since 2 X -4 = -8

2x^ - 3x2 _ jgj|. _ g _ (jj + 2)(2x2 + _ 4^ expand and collect like terms
2x3 _ 3^2 _ igjj _ g = 2x3 + + 4)jj2 +(2fc _ 4)x _ 8
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

Equating coefficients of 6 + 4 = -3
b = -7

f(x)=(x + 2)(2x2 _ 7;,; _ 4)

=(x + 2)(2x + l)(x - 4)

Hence (x + 2)(2x + l)(x - 4)= 0.

1
So X = -2 or X = -^ or X = 4.
2'

WORKED EXAMPLE 8

Solve 2x^ + 7x2 - 2x - 1 = 0.

Answers

Let f(x)= 2x^ + 7x2 _ 2x - 1.

The positive and negative factors of-1 are +1.
f(-l)= 2(-l)® + 7 X (-1)2 -2 X (-1)-1 0
f(1)= 2(1)^ + 7 X (1)2 - 2 X (1)- 1 0
So X - 1 and x+1 are not factors off(x).

By inspection, ^ 1 = 0.

So 2x - 1 is a factor of:
2x® + 7x2 - 2x - 1 =(2x - l)(ax2 + 6x + c)

coefficient of is 2, so « = 1 constant term is -1, so c = 1

since 2x1=2 since -1 X 1 = -1

2x'+ 7x2 _ 2x -1 =(2x - l)(x2 + 6x + l)

2x® + 7x2 - 2x -1 = 2x'+ {2b - l)x2 +(2-6)x - 1
Equating coefficients of x^: 2b-1 = 7
b=4

So 2x^ + 7x2 _ 2x - 1 =(2x - l)(x2 + 4x +1).

1 -4 ± V42 -4 X 1 X1
X = — or X
2 2x1
1 -4 ± 273
X = — or X =
2 2

x = ^orx = -2+ >/3 orx = -2->/3

 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

Not all cubic expressions can be factorised into 3 linear factors.

Consider the cubic expression x® + - 36.
Let f(x)= x^ + x^ - 36.
f(3)= (3)' +(3)' - 36 = 0
So X - 3 is a factor of f(x).
x^ + x^ - 36 =(x - 3)(ax^ + bx ■¥ c)

coefficient of is 1, so ct = 1 constant term is —36, so - 12

since 1x1 = 1 since -3 X 12 = -36

x^ + x^ - 36 = (x — 3)(x^ + bx + 12)
x^ + x^-36 = x^+{b- 3)x2 + (12 - 3b)x - 36
Equating coefficients of x^: ft - 3 = 1
ft = 4

So x^ + x^ — 36 = (x — 3)(x^ + 4x + 12)
(Note: x^ + 4x + 12 cannot be factorised into two further linear factors, since
the discriminant < 0.)

Exercise 4.4
1 a Show that x-1 is a factor of 2x®-x^-2x + l.
b Hence factorise 2x® - x^ - 2x + 1 completely.
2 Factorise these cubic expressions completely.
a x^ + 2x^ - 3x - 10 b x^ + 4x2 _
c 2x-'' - 9x^ - 18x d x^ — 8x2 j4
e 2x^-13x2+I7x + 12 f 3x® + 2x2 _ Y^x + 6
e 4x® - 8x2 _ ^ 2 h 2x^ + 3x2 _ 32^ + 15

3 Solve the following equations.

a X® — 3x2 _ 33^ + 35 = 0 b x3 - 6x2 + llx - 6 = 0

c 3x3+17x2+18X-8 = 0 d 2x3 + 3;c2 -17x + 12 = 0

e 2x3-3x2-llx + 6 = 0 f 2x3 ^ — 5x - 4 = 0
g 4x3 + 12x2 + 5x - 6 = 0 h 2x3 _ 3^2 _ 29x + 60 = 0

Solve the following equations.

Express roots in the form a ± b-Jc , where necessary.
a + 5x2 4x 2 = 0 b x-'
x3 + 8x2 ^ y2x - 9 0

c + 2x2 7x • 2 = 0 d 2x3 ^ 3^2 17x + 12 = 0

Solve the equation 2x3 ^ g^2 - 14^ - 9 = 0.

Express roots in the form a ± ftVc , where necessary.
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

Solve the equation + 8x^ + 12x = 9.

Write your answers correct to 2 decimal places where necessary,
a Show that X - 2 is a factor of x^ - x^ -x-2.
b Hence show that x^-x^-x-2 = 0 has only one real root and state
■ X

the value of this root.

8 f(x) is a cubic polynomial where the coefficient of is 1.

Find f(x) when the roots off(x) = 0 are
a -2, 1 and 5 b -5,-2 and 4 c -3,0 and 2.
9 f(x) is a cubic polynomial where the coefficient of x'' is 2.
Find f(x) when the roots of f(x) = 0 are
a —0.5, 2 and 4 b 0.5, 1 and 2 c —1.5, 1 and 5.
10 f(x) is a cubic polynomial where the coefficient of x^ is 1.
The roots of f(x) = 0 are - 3,1 + ^2 and 1 - V2.
Express f(x) as a cubic polynomial in x with integer coefficients.
11 f(x) is a cubic polynomial where the coefficient of x'^ is 2.
The roots off(x) =0 are ^,2+ y/S and 2- ^/3.
Express f(x) as a cubic polynomial in x with integer coefficients.
12 2x + 3 is a factor of 2x^ +[a^ + l)x^ - 3x^ +(l - a^)x + 3.
a Show that 4a^ - 9<2^ +4 = 0.
b Find the possible values of a.

4.5 The remainder theorem

Consider f(x)= 2x^ - 4x^ + 7x - 37.
Substituting x = 3 in the polynomial gives f(3) = 2(3)'^ - 4(3)^ + 7(3)- 37 = 2.
When 2x^ - 4x^ + 7x - 37 is divided by x — 3, there is a remainder.
2x^ + 2x+13
X-3)2x^-4x2+ 7^_37
2x^- 6x^
2x^ + 7x
2x^ - fix
13x- 37
13x-39

The remainder is 2. This is the same value as f(3).

f(x) = 2x'' — 4x^ + 7x — 3fi, can be written as
f(x) =(x - 3)(2x2 + 2x + 13)+ 2.
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

In general:
If a polynomial P(x) is divided by x - c to give the polynomial
Q(x) and a remainder R,then
P(x)=(x - c)Q(x)+ R.
Substituting x = c into this formula gives P(c) = R.
This leads to the remainder theorem:

If a polynomial P(x) is divided by x - c, the remainder is P(c).

The Remainder Theorem can be extended to:

If a polynomial P(x) is divided by ax - b, the remainder is ■

WORKED EXAMPLE 9

Find the remainder when 7x'+ 6x^ - 40x + 17 is divided by (x + 3) by using

a algebraic division b the factor theorem.

Answers

a Divide 7x^ + 6x^ - 40x + 17 by (x + 3).

7x^+ 15x + 5
x + 3j7r'+ 6x2-40x + 17
7x^ + 21x^
—15x^ — 40x
-15x^- 45x
5x + 17
5x + 15
2

The remainder is 2.

b Let f(x) = 7x^ + 6x^ - 40x + 17.

Remainder - f(-3)
= 7(-3f + 6(-3)^ - 40(-3)+ 17
= -189 + 54 + 120 + 17
=2
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

f(x) = 2*® + ax^ -9x + b

When f{x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is 1.
When f(x) is divided by x + 2, the remainder is 19.
Find the value of a and of b.

Answers

f(x)= 2x'+ ax^ — %x + b

When f(x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is 1 means that: f(l) = 1.
2(lf+ fl(lf-9(1)+ 6 = 1
2+ a — 9 + 6 = 1

a +6 = 8 (1)
When f(jc) is divided by x +2,the remainder is 19 means that: f(-2) = 19.
2{-2f + a{-2f - 9(-2)+ 6 = 19
-16 + 4a + 18 + 6 = 19

4a + 6 = l7 (2)
(2) -(1) gives 3a = 9
a=3
Substitudng a = 3 in equation (2) gives 6=5.
a = 3 and 6 = 5

Exercise 4.5
1 Find the remainder when

+ 2x^ - X + 3 is divided by x - 1
x^ - 6x^ + llx - 7 is divided by x - 2
x^ - 3x^ - 33x + 30 is divided by x + 2
2x^ - x^ - 18x + 11 is divided by 2x - 1.
a When x^ + x^ + ax - 2 is divided by x - 1, the remainder is 5.
Find the value of a.

b When 2x^ - 6x^ + 7x + 6 is divided by x + 2, the remainder is 3.

Find the value of b.

c When 2x® + x^ + cx - 10 is divided by 2x - 1, the remainder is -4.

Find the value of c.

f(x) = X® + ax^ + 6x - 5
f(x) has a factor of x - 1 and leaves a remainder of 3 when divided by x + 2.
Find the value of a and of b.

f(x) = x^ + ax^ + llx + 6

f(x) has a factor of x - 2 and leaves a remainder of 24 when divided by x - 5.
Find the value of a and of b.
 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

5 f(x) = + ax + b
f(x) has a factor of x - 3 and leaves a remainder of 15 when divided by x + 2.
a Find the value of a and of b.
b Solve the equation f(x) = 0.
6 f(x) = 4x^ + 8x^ + ax + b
f(x) has a factor of 2x - 1 and leaves a remainder of 48 when divided by x - 2.
a Find the value of a and of b.
b Find the remainder when f(x) is divided by x - 1.
7 f(x) = 2x^ +(a + l)x^ - ax + ft
When f(x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is 5.
When f(x) is divided by x - 2, the remainder is 14.
Show that a = -4 and find the value of ft.

8 f(x) = ax^ + ftx^ + 5x - 2

When f(x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is 6.
When f(x) is divided by 2x + 1, the remainder is -6.
Find the value of a and of ft.

9 f(x) = x^ - 5x^ + ax + ft
f(x) has a factor of x - 2.
a Express ft in terms of a.
b When f(x) is divided by x + 1, the remainder is —9.
Find the value of a and of ft.

10 f(x) = x^ + ax^ + ftx + c

The roots off(x) =0 are 2, 3, and k.
When f(x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is —8.
a Find the value of k.
b Find the remainder when f(x) is divided by x + 1.
11 f(x) = 4x^ + ax^ + 13x + ft
f(x) has a factor of 2x - 1 and leaves a remainder of 21 when divided by x - 2.
a Find the value of a and of ft.
b Find the remainder when the expression is divided by x + 1.
12 f(x) = x^ - 8x^ + ftx - 20
When f(x) is divided by x — 1, the remainder is R.
When f(x) is divided by x - 2, the remainder is 4i2.
Find the value of k.

13 f(x) ^x^ + 2x^-6x + 9

When f(x) is divided by x + a, the remainder is R.
When f(x) is divided by x — a, the remainder is 2R.
a Show that 3a^ - 2a^ - 18a -9 = 0.
b Solve the equation in part a completely.
 Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

14 f(x) = + Ax - 15
When f(x) is divided by x - 1, the remainder is R.
When f(x) is divided by x + 4, the remainder is -R.
a Find the value of k.

b Hence find the remainder when the expression is divided by x + 2.

15 P(x)= 5(x-l)(x-2)(x-3)+ a(x-l)(x-2)+ A(x-l)+ c
It is given that when P(x) is divided by each of x- 1, x- 2 and x- 3 the remainders are 7, 2 and 1
respectively. Find the values of a, b, and c.

CHALLENGEQ
16 f(x) = x^ + ax'^ + bx + c
The roots of f(x) = 0 are 1, k, and k + I.
When f(x) is divided by x - 2, the remainder is 20.
a Show that - 3A - 18 = 0.

b Hence find the possible values of A.

Summary
The factor theorem:

If, for a polynomial P(x), P(c) = 0 then x - c is a factor of P(x).

If, for a polynomial P(x), = 0 then ax - b is a factor of P(x).

The remainder theorem:

If a polynomial P(x) is divided by x - c, the remainder is P(c).

If a polynomial P(x) is divided by ax - b, the remainder is •

 Chapter 4: Factors and polynomials

Examination questions
Worked example
The function f is such that f(x)= 4x® - Sx^ + ax + b, where a and b are constants. It is given that
2x - lis a factor off(x) and that when f(x) is divided by x + 2 the remainder is 20. Find the
remainder when f(x) is divided by x - 1.
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606Paper 11 Q2Nov 2011

Answer
f(x)= 4x^ — 8x^ + ax + b

If 2x - 1 is a factor, then f
v2

1
-2+

a + 2b = S
(1)

Remainder = 20 when divided by x + 2, means that f(-2) = 20.

4(-2)^ - 8(-2f + a(-2)+ b = 20
-52-32-2a + b = 20
-2a + b = 84 (2)
From (1) a = 5- 2b.
Substituting in (2), gives: -2(3- 2b)+ b = 84
—6 + 4b + 6 = 84

5b = 90

b = 18
So a = -33, b = 18.

Remainder when f(x) = 4x® - 8x^ - 33x + 18 is divided by (x - 1) is f(l).

Remainder = 4(1)^ - 8(1)^ - 33(1)+ 18
= 4-8-33+ 18

= -19
Cambridge IGCSE and 0 Level Additional Mathematics

Exercise 4.6
Exam Exercise
1 a Show that X - 2 is a factor of - 14x^ + 32. [1]
b Hence factorlse Sx^ — 14x^ + 32 completely. [4]
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 Paper 21 Q12i,ii Nov 2012

2 The function f(x)= ax^ + 4x^ + bx -2, where a and b are constants, is such that 2x - 1 is a
factor. Given that the remainder when f(x) is divided by x - 2 is twice the remainder when
f(x) is divided by x + 1, find the value of a and of b. [6]
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606Paper 11 Q6 Nov 2013

3 a The remainder when the expression x® + 9x^ + bx A- c is divided by x - 2 is twice the

remainder when the expression is divided by x - 1. Show that c = 24. [5]
b Given that x + 8 is a factor of x^^ + 9x- A- bx A- 24,show that the equation
x^ + 9x^ + Z'x + 24 = 0 has only one real root. [4]
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 Paper 21 Q10i,ii Nov 2012

4 The expression x^ + 8x^ A- px -25 leaves a remainder of /?when divided by x - 1 and a

remainder of-J? when divided by X + 2.
a Find the value of p. [4]
b Hence find the remainder when the expression is divided by x + 3. [2]
Cambrid^ IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 Paper 21 Q5i,iiJun 2011

5 Factorise completely the expression 2x^ - llx^ - 20x - 7. [5]

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606Paper 11 Q4 Nov 2010

6 The expression x'^ + ax'^ - 15x + b has a factor of x - 2 arid leaves a remainder 75 when divided
by X + 3. Find the value of a and of b. [5]
Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 Paper 21 Q2 Nov 2010

7 The polynomial f(x)= ax^ +7x^ -9xA-b is divisible by 2x- 1. The remainder when f(x) is
divided by x- 2 is 5 times the remainder when f(x) is divided by x + 1.
i Show that a = 6 and find the value of b. [4]
ii Using the values from part a, show that f(x)=(2x-l)(cx^ A-dxA-e^, where c, d and e are
integers to be found, [2]

ill Hence factorise f(x) completely. [2]

Cambridge IGCSE Additional Mathematics 0606 Paper 12 Q7 Mar 2016