A factor of a polynomial P(x) is x - c. Which must be true of P(x) ? A P(c) = 0 BP(-c) = 0 CP(0) = c D P(0) c -с

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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### Understanding Polynomial Functions: Identifying Factors and Roots

#### Question:
Given that a factor of a polynomial \( P(x) \) is \( x - c \), which of the following must be true of \( P(x) \)?

#### Options:
- **A)** \( P(c) = 0 \)
- **B)** \( P(-c) = 0 \)
- **C)** \( P(0) = c \)
- **D)** \( P(0) = -c \)

#### Explanation:
When a polynomial \( P(x) \) has a factor of \( x - c \), it means that \( P(c) = 0 \). This is because substituting \( c \) into the polynomial results in zero, signifying that \( c \) is a root of the polynomial.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

#### **A)** \( P(c) = 0 \)

### Detailed Breakdown:
- **Option A: Correct.** When \( x - c \) is a factor, \( P(c) = 0 \) must hold true because \( c \) satisfies the equation \( P(x) = 0 \).

- **Option B: Incorrect.** The statement \( P(-c) = 0 \) does not necessarily hold true just because \( x - c \) is a factor.

- **Option C and D: Incorrect.** These options suggest that evaluating \( P(x) \) at \( x = 0 \) results in \( c \) or \( -c \). However, the presence of the factor \( x - c \) does not give any information about \( P(0) \).

Use this knowledge of factors and roots to solve similar problems concerning polynomial functions and their roots.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Polynomial Functions: Identifying Factors and Roots #### Question: Given that a factor of a polynomial \( P(x) \) is \( x - c \), which of the following must be true of \( P(x) \)? #### Options: - **A)** \( P(c) = 0 \) - **B)** \( P(-c) = 0 \) - **C)** \( P(0) = c \) - **D)** \( P(0) = -c \) #### Explanation: When a polynomial \( P(x) \) has a factor of \( x - c \), it means that \( P(c) = 0 \). This is because substituting \( c \) into the polynomial results in zero, signifying that \( c \) is a root of the polynomial. Therefore, the correct answer is: #### **A)** \( P(c) = 0 \) ### Detailed Breakdown: - **Option A: Correct.** When \( x - c \) is a factor, \( P(c) = 0 \) must hold true because \( c \) satisfies the equation \( P(x) = 0 \). - **Option B: Incorrect.** The statement \( P(-c) = 0 \) does not necessarily hold true just because \( x - c \) is a factor. - **Option C and D: Incorrect.** These options suggest that evaluating \( P(x) \) at \( x = 0 \) results in \( c \) or \( -c \). However, the presence of the factor \( x - c \) does not give any information about \( P(0) \). Use this knowledge of factors and roots to solve similar problems concerning polynomial functions and their roots.
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