Question

Show how to determine whether (2x – 4) is a factor of the polynomial 2x^5 – 4x^4 + 2x^2 – 2x - 4

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

First put 2x-4 equal to 0 and solve it.

2x-4=0

2x=4

x=2

Now plug 2 into the polynomial and see if it equals to 0

In case it's not, then it is not a factor of it

2(2)^5 - 4(2)^4 + 2x^2 -2(2) - 4 = 0

So it's indeed a factor of the polynomial.

Hope this helps!