Learn about and how to apply the remainder and factor theorem. The remainder theorem states that f(a) is the remainder when the polynomial f(x) is divided by x - a. Thus, given a polynomial, f(x), which is to be divided by a linear binomial of the form x - a, the remainder of the division is given by f(a). The factor theorem is a special case of the remainder theortem which states that if f(a) = 0, then x - a is a factor of the polynomial f(x). Thus, given a polynomial, f(x), to see if a linear binomial of the form x - a is a factor of the polynomial, we solve for f(a). If f(a) = 0, then x - a is a factor, and x - a is not a factor otherwise.
These two theorems help us understand how we better understand the relationship between a polynomial function, it's factors, and the remainder. Using the theorem also can save us time from determining if a we have a factor or zero of a polynomial without having to use division.
#polynomials #factorremaindertheorem

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