| 
 
 
| 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(4671)
      (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
 | 
  
 | 
 |