Timeless Theorems of Mathematics/Polynomial Factor Theorem

The Polynomial Factor Theorem is a theorem linking factors and zeros of a polynomial.[1] It is an application of the Polynomial Remainder Theorem. It states that a polynomial has a factor if and only if . Here, is also called the root of the polynomial.[2]

Proof

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Statement

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If   is a polynomial of a positive degree and if   so   is a factor of  .

Proof

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According to the Polynomial Remainder Theorem, the remainder of the division of   by   is equal to  . As  , so the polynomial   is divisible by  

  is a factor of  . [Proved]

Converse of Factor Theorem

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Proposition : If   is a factor of the polynomial   then  

Factorization

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Example 1

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Problem : Resolve the polynomial   into factors.

Solution : Here, the constant term of   is   and the set of the factors of   is  1 {±1, ±2}

Here, the leading coefficient of   is   and the set of the factors of   is  2 {±1, ±2, ±3, ±6, ±9, ±18}

Now consider  , where  1 2

When,

 

 

 

Therefore,   is a factor of  

Now,              

 

Example 2

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Problem : Resolve the polynomial   into factors.

Solution : Considering only the terms of   and constant, we get  .

 

In the same way, considering only the terms of   and constant, we get  .

 

Combining factors of above (i) and (ii), the factors of the given polynomial can be found. But the constants   must remain same in both equations just like the coefficients of   and  .

 


References

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  1. [1] Byjus.com, Maths, Factor Theorem
  2. [2] Byjus.com, Maths, Roots of Polynomials