SOLUTION: a. Find a polynomial of minimum degree such that when divided by x+2 has a remainder of -1 and when divided by x-1 has a remainder of 3. b. Find a polynomial of degree 3 such that

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Question 1154812: a. Find a polynomial of minimum degree such that when divided by x+2 has a remainder of -1 and when divided by x-1 has a remainder of 3.
b. Find a polynomial of degree 3 such that when divided by x^2-5x has a remainder of 6x-15 and when divided by x^2-5x+8 has a remainder of 2x-7.

Answer by ikleyn(52781)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.

            I will solve part  (a)  ONLY.


It is clear that the polynomial can not be linear (of the degree 1).


So, I will find such a polynomial of the degree 2 (quadratic).


Let f(x) = x^2 + bx + c be such a polynomial.


According to the Remainder theorem, the imposed conditions are equivalent to 

    f(-2) = -1  and  f(1) = 3,   or


    (-2)^2 - 2b + c = -1      (1)

    1^2    +  b + c =  3      (2)


Equations (1) and (2) are equivalent to


           - 2b + c = -5      (3)

              b + c =  2      (4)


From equation (3), subtract equation (4). You will get

            -3b     = -7;   hence,  b = .


Then from (4),  c = 2 - b = 2 -  = .


So, the polynomial is  f(x) =  .    ANSWER


CHECK.  f(-2) = (-2)^2+(7/3)*(-2) - 1/3 = 4 - 14/3 - 1/3 = -1;

        f(1) = 1^2 + 7/3 - 1/3 = 1 + 2 = 3.    ! Correct !

Solved.

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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 lessons
    - Divisibility of polynomial f(x) by binomial x-a and the Remainder theorem
    - Solved problems on the Remainder thoerem
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 lessons are the part of this online textbook under the topic
"Divisibility of polynomial f(x) by binomial (x-a). The Remainder theorem".

Save the link to this online textbook together with its description

Free of charge online textbook in ALGEBRA-I
https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/quadratic/lessons/ALGEBRA-I-YOUR-ONLINE-TEXTBOOK.lesson

to your archive and use it when it is needed.



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