# Thread: Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem

1. ## Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem

Can anyone explain these to me ? I'm clueless as to how to do these.

Factor Theorem

Use the Factor Theorem to show that x - c is a factor of P(x) for the given value(s) of c.

P(x) - x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1, c = 1

Also i'm having problems with a type of question that I also don't know where to start.

Find a polynomial of the specified degree that has the given zeros.

Degree 3; Zeros -1 , 1, 3

HELP!!!

2. Originally Posted by JonathanEyoon
Use the Factor Theorem to show that x - c is a factor of P(x) for the given value(s) of c.

P(x) - x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1, c = 1

Find a polynomial of the specified degree that has the given zeros.

Degree 3; Zeros -1 , 1, 3
$x-1$ will be a factor of $P(x)$ if $P(1)=0$, i.e. $P(1)=1^3-3(1)^2+3(1)-1=0$

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Given the zeros, you can set $(x+1)(x-1)(x-3)=0$, now expand.

3. Originally Posted by Krizalid
$x-1$ will be a factor of $P(x)$ if $P(1)=0$, i.e. $P(1)=1^3-3(1)^2+3(1)-1=0$

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Given the zeros, you can set $(x+1)(x-1)(x-3)=0$, now expand.

Ohhhhhhhhh ok.... so what does the factor theorem and remainder theorem mean?