Learn Before
Example

Determining if x−4x - 4 is a Factor of f(x)=x3−64f(x) = x^3 - 64 Using the Factor Theorem

To determine if x−4x - 4 is a factor of the polynomial function f(x)=x3−64f(x) = x^3 - 64 using the Factor Theorem, evaluate the function at the corresponding value of cc. The theorem states that x−cx - c is a factor if and only if f(c)=0f(c) = 0. For the binomial x−4x - 4, the value is c=4c = 4. Substitute x=4x = 4 into the function: f(4)=43−64f(4) = 4^3 - 64. Simplify the exponent to obtain f(4)=64−64f(4) = 64 - 64, which results in f(4)=0f(4) = 0. Since f(4)=0f(4) = 0, the Factor Theorem confirms that x−4x - 4 is a factor of f(x)=x3−64f(x) = x^3 - 64.

0

1

Updated 2026-06-17

Contributors are:

Who are from:

Tags

OpenStax

Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Ch.5 Polynomials and Polynomial Functions - Intermediate Algebra @ OpenStax

Algebra

Related
Learn After