A Statement That Must Be True

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

When dealing with polynomial functions, it's essential to understand the relationship between the function's values and its factors. In this article, we'll explore how to determine the correct statement regarding a polynomial function based on given information.

Given Information

We are given that $p(4)=-16$ , $p(-6)=0$ , and $p(5) \neq p(-6)$ . These values provide us with specific information about the polynomial function $p(x)$ .

Understanding the Significance of $p(-6)=0$

The fact that $p(-6)=0$ tells us that $x+6$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . This is because if a polynomial function has a root at $x=a$ , then $(x-a)$ is a factor of the polynomial.

Analyzing the Options

Now, let's analyze the given options to determine which statement must be true.

Option A: $(x+16)$ is a factor of $p$

This option suggests that $x+16$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . However, we are given that $p(4)=-16$ , which means that $x-4$ is a factor of $p(x)$ , not $x+16$ . Therefore, option A is incorrect.

Option B: $(x+4)$ is a factor of $p$

This option suggests that $x+4$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . We are given that $p(4)=-16$ , which means that $x-4$ is a factor of $p(x)$ . However, $x-4$ is not the same as $x+4$ . Therefore, option B is incorrect.

Option C: $(x-5)$ is a factor of $p$

This option suggests that $x-5$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . However, we are given that $p(5) \neq p(-6)$ , which means that $x-5$ is not a factor of $p(x)$ . Therefore, option C is incorrect.

Conclusion

Based on the given information, we can conclude that none of the options A, B, or C must be true. However, we can make a statement that must be true based on the given information.

A Statement That Must Be True

Since $p(-6)=0$ , we know that $x+6$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . Additionally, since $p(4)=-16$ , we know that $x-4$ is a factor of $p(x)$ . Therefore, a statement that must be true is that $(x+6)(x-4)$ is a factor of $p(x)$ .

Understanding the Factorization

The factorization $(x+6)(x-4)$ tells us that the polynomial function $p(x)$ can be written in the form $p(x) = (x+6)(x-4)q(x)$ , where $q(x)$ is a polynomial function. This factorization provides us with a deeper understanding of the polynomial function $p(x)$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, based on the given information, we can determine that a statement that must be true is that $(x+6)(x-4)$ is a factor of the polynomial function $p(x)$ . This understanding provides us with a deeper insight into the polynomial function and its factors.

References

Final Thoughts

In this article, we'll address some common questions and concerns about polynomial functions and factors.

Q: What is a polynomial function?

A polynomial function is a function that can be written in the form $p(x) = a_nx^n + a_{n-1}x^{n-1} + \ldots + a_1x + a_0$ , where $a_n \neq 0$ and $n$ is a non-negative integer.

Q: What is a factor of a polynomial function?

A factor of a polynomial function is a polynomial function that divides the original polynomial function without leaving a remainder. In other words, if $p(x)$ is a polynomial function and $q(x)$ is a polynomial function, then $q(x)$ is a factor of $p(x)$ if $p(x) = q(x)r(x)$ for some polynomial function $r(x)$ .

Q: How do I determine the factors of a polynomial function?

To determine the factors of a polynomial function, you can use various methods such as:

Factoring by grouping
Factoring by difference of squares
Factoring by sum and difference of cubes
Using the Rational Root Theorem

Q: What is the Rational Root Theorem?

The Rational Root Theorem states that if $p(x)$ is a polynomial function with integer coefficients and $p(a/b) = 0$ , where $a/b$ is a rational number, then $a$ must be a factor of the constant term of $p(x)$ and $b$ must be a factor of the leading coefficient of $p(x)$ .

Q: How do I use the Rational Root Theorem to find the factors of a polynomial function?

To use the Rational Root Theorem, you need to:

Write down the polynomial function
Identify the constant term and the leading coefficient
List all the factors of the constant term and the leading coefficient
Test each possible rational root by substituting it into the polynomial function
If the polynomial function equals zero, then the rational root is a factor of the polynomial function

Q: What is the difference between a factor and a root of a polynomial function?

A factor of a polynomial function is a polynomial function that divides the original polynomial function without leaving a remainder. A root of a polynomial function is a value of $x$ that makes the polynomial function equal to zero. In other words, if $p(x)$ is a polynomial function and $a$ is a root of $p(x)$ , then $p(a) = 0$ . However, not all roots are factors, and not all factors are roots.

Q: Can a polynomial function have multiple factors?

Yes, a polynomial function can have multiple factors. For example, the polynomial function $p(x) = (x+1)(x+2)(x+3)$ has three factors: $(x+1)$ , $(x+2)$ , and $(x+3)$ .

Q: Can a polynomial function have a factor that is not a root?

Yes, a polynomial function can have a factor that is not a root. For example, the polynomial function $p(x) = (x+1)(x+2)$ has two factors: $(x+1)$ and $(x+2)$ . However, neither $(x+1)$ nor $(x+2)$ is a root of $p(x)$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding polynomial functions and their factors is essential in mathematics. By using various methods such as factoring by grouping, factoring by difference of squares, and the Rational Root Theorem, you can determine the factors of a polynomial function. Additionally, you should be aware of the difference between a factor and a root of a polynomial function.

References

Final Thoughts

Understanding polynomial functions and their factors is essential in mathematics. By using various methods and being aware of the difference between a factor and a root, you can determine the factors of a polynomial function.