This is called the factor theorem. This is used when you
want to know if a number will be a factor of a quadratic
equation or one with any power of x in it.
Do it by substituting the number in but by
changing the sign in front of it ie if you want to
check for 5 put in -5
If it =o then it is a factor if not then it is not a factor. This method can also
be used to find the remainder. The number at the end is the remainder.
The other thing is how to divide an
equation by an (x-2) or other number
Start by drawing a table
Place the number you are
dividing by down the left hand
side.
Then place the highest power of x in the box to the left of the x number
What times by x to make that number
place this in the top of the column
Then times by the number on the left and the top one
What power of x is it and how many should you have? Then work
the number out and place this next to your first power of x second
row down that is.
Continue for all powers of
x
If a remainder still occurs that will go in the far right column.
finish by placing the whole new equation with any remainder
in a line. Divide the remainder by what you divided by before.
There is an example done look at it to clarify what i mean