Question

Using the Factor Theorem, determine which of the following is a factor of the polynomial f (x) = x^3 – 3x^2 + x + 1.

x – 1
x + 1
x – 2
x + 2

Answer 1

x = 1

f (1) = 1³ - (3 × 1²) +1 +1

= 1 - 3 +1 +1 = 0

x - 1 is a factor of the polynomial.