SOLUTION: The polynomial f(x) divided x-3 results in a question of x^2-3x-5 with a remainder of 2. Find f(3). <p> I basically factored (x-3)(x^2-3x-5) + 2 which I think gave me the polynom

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: The polynomial f(x) divided x-3 results in a question of x^2-3x-5 with a remainder of 2. Find f(3). <p> I basically factored (x-3)(x^2-3x-5) + 2 which I think gave me the polynom      Log On

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Question 16790: The polynomial f(x) divided x-3 results in a question of x^2-3x-5 with a remainder of 2. Find f(3).


I basically factored (x-3)(x^2-3x-5) + 2 which I think gave me the polynomial for f(x) which is (x^3-14x+17)+ 2, since 2 was the remainder. I substituted 3 for x and came up with an answer of 5, but I don't think this is correct. I think it's suppose to be -5, but I'm not sure how that is or I could be wrong all together. Thanks for the help.
Answer by rapaljer(4551) About Me  (Show Source):

You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You are correct in saying that f(x) = (x-3)(x^2-3x-5) + 2. There is no need to multiply this out, as it will only make matters more confusing. Leave it as it is.

Now, to find f(3), you substitute x=3 into the f(x) formula, and the whole first part subtracts out, leaving f(3) = 2. That is your final answer!!

R^2 at SCC