Problem 1: Find k such that f(x)=x^4-kx^3+kx^2+1 has the factor (x+2)
Problem 2: What is the remainder when f(x)=-3x^17+x^9-X^5+2x is divided by (x+1)

Thank you

2. Hello, oceanmd!

I believe you're expected to know the Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem.

Problem 1: Find $k$ such that $f(x)\:=\:x^4-kx^3+kx^2+1$ has the factor $(x+2)$

If $(x+2)$ is a factor of $f(x)$, then: . $f(\text{-}2) \:=\:0$

Hence: . $f(\text{-}2) \;=\;(\text{-}2)^4 - k(\text{-}2)^3 + k(\text{-}2)^2 + 1 \;=\;0$

. . and we have: . $16 + 8k + 4k + 1 \:=\:0\quad\Rightarrow\quad12k \:=\:-17\quad\Rightarrow\quad\boxed{k \:=\:-\frac{17}{12}}$

Problem 2: What is the remainder when $f(x)\:=\:-3x^{17}+x^9-x^5+2x$ is divided by $(x+1)$
When $f(x)$ is divided by $(x+1)$, the remainder is: . $f(\text{-}1)$

. . $f(\text{-}1) \;=\;-3(\text{-}1)^{17} + (\text{-}1)^9 - (\text{-}1)^5 + 2(\text{-}1) \;=\;3 - 1 + 1 - 2 \;=\;\boxed{1}$

3. ## Thank you very much

Soroban,

Thanks a lot. These problems are from the Factor Theorem and Remainder Theorem Chapter.

Have a nice rest of the day.