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When polynomial P(x) is divided by x + 1, x + 2, and x + 3, the remainders are 2, 3, and 6, respectively.
Find the remainder when P(x) is divided by (x + 1)(x + 2)(x + 3).
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We are given that
"when polynomial P(x) is divided by x + 1, x + 2, and x + 3, the remainders are 2, 3, and 6, respectively."
According to the Remainder theorem, it is equivalent to these equalities:
P(-1) = 2, (1)
P(-2) = 3, (2)
P(-3) = 6. (3)
Now, the question is to find a remainder polynomial R(x) after dividing P(x) by (x+1)*(x+2)*(x+3):
P(x) = g(x)*(x+1)*(x+2)*(x+3) + R(x). (4)
It is clear that the polynomial R(x) has the degree <= 2, so we can write
R(x) = Ax^2 + Bx + C. (5)
Substituting x= -1, x= -2 and x= -3 into (4), from (1), (2) and (3) we have
P(-1) = g(-1)*0 + R(-1) = 2, i.e. R(-1) = 2; (6)
P(-2) = g(-2)*0 + R(-2) = 3, i.e. R(-2) = 3; (7)
P(-3) = g(-3)*0 + R(-3) = 6, i.e. R(-3) = 6. (8)
So, we need to find coefficients A, B and C of the remainder polynomial R(x) from conditions (6), (7) and (8).
Equation (6) gives
A*(-1)^2 + B*(-1) + C = 2, or A - B + c = 2; (9)
Equation (7) gives
A*(-2)^2 + B*(-2) + C = 3, or 4A - 2B + c = 3; (10)
Equation (8) gives
A*(-3)^2 + B*(-3) + C = 6, or 9A - 3B + c = 6. (11)
Thus you have this system of 3 equations to find A, B and C:
A - B + c = 2,
4A - 2B + c = 3,
9A - 3B + c = 6.
Solve it by any method you want/you know (Substitution, Elimination, Determinanf (= Cramer's rule) ). You will get A = 1, B= 2 and C = 3.
So, the remainder, which is under the question, is R(x) = x^2 + 2x + 3.
Answer. The remainder under the question is R(x) = x^2 + 2x + 3.
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Theorem (the remainder theorem)
1. The remainder of division the polynomial by the binomial is equal to the value of the polynomial.
2. The binomial divides the polynomial if and only if the value of is the root of the polynomial , i.e. .
3. The binomial factors the polynomial if and only if the value of is the root of the polynomial , i.e. .
See the lesson
- Divisibility of polynomial f(x) by binomial x-a
in this site.
Also, you have this free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-II in this site
ALGEBRA-II - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK.
The referred lesson is the part of this online textbook under the topic
"Divisibility of polynomial f(x) by binomial (x-a). The Remainder theorem".