SOLUTION: Find k such that f(x)=x^3-kx^2+kx+2 has the factor x-2. I have no idea what this is and my final is due in a few hours! help me please! I know I have to divide by x-2 but I don't

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Question 820318: Find k such that f(x)=x^3-kx^2+kx+2 has the factor x-2.
I have no idea what this is and my final is due in a few hours! help me please!
I know I have to divide by x-2 but I don't know how to do so or what to do after that.

Answer by jsmallt9(3758)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

First of all, this is a polynomial, not a rational function (which has x in denominator(s)). Please post your problems in a relevant category.

And yes, you will divide. Synthetic division is easiest:
2 |   1   -k     k  2
---        2  4-2k  8-2k
     --------------------
      1  2-k  4-k   10-2k
Since x-2 is supposed to be a factor, then we should get a remainder of zero when we divide. The remainder we got, 10-2k, must then be zero:
10-2k = 0
Adding 2k:
10 = 2k
Dividing by 2:
5 = k
This is the value for k that makes x-2 a factor of f(x).

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