SOLUTION: If the zeros of P(x) are -1,2 and 3, what are the factors of P(x)? a. (x-1)(x+2)(x+3) b. (x+1)(x-2)(x33) c. (x+1)(x+2)(x+3) d. (x-1)(x-2)(x+3)

Algebra ->  Rational-functions -> SOLUTION: If the zeros of P(x) are -1,2 and 3, what are the factors of P(x)? a. (x-1)(x+2)(x+3) b. (x+1)(x-2)(x33) c. (x+1)(x+2)(x+3) d. (x-1)(x-2)(x+3)       Log On


   

Question 1204491: If the zeros of P(x) are -1,2 and 3, what are the factors of P(x)?
a. (x-1)(x+2)(x+3)
b. (x+1)(x-2)(x33)
c. (x+1)(x+2)(x+3)
d. (x-1)(x-2)(x+3)
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, math_tutor2020:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39623) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Those as given make the binomial linear factors easy to list and therefore the right choice easy to make.

NONE of the shown choices is correct. Each is wrong!

Answer by math_tutor2020(3817) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Answer: (x+1)(x-2)(x-3)
The order of the factors doesn't matter.

Explanation:
If x = k is a root then x-k is a factor because x = k leads to x-k = 0.
For example, if x = -1 is a root then x-(-1) or x+1 is a factor.
Another example: if x = 2 is a root then x-2 is a factor.
There appears to be a strange typo in choice B. I'm assuming the x33 part should be x-3.