Math Is Fun Forum

Mel

Guest

How do you figure this out =S

Given that x^3 - 2x^2 + 3x - 2 = (x-1) (ax^2 + bx+c)
Determine a, b and c

I know the answers are 1, -1 and 2 but how do you get that?

thnx

Identity

Member

Registered: 2007-04-18

Posts: 934

Re: How do you figure this out =S

Since (x-1) and (ax^2 - bx + c) are both factors, simply divide

by

to determine (ax^2 - bx + c) and hence a, b, and c.

You should get

, hence a=1, b=-1, c=2.

If you wait a sec, I'll draw up an image showing the division.

Last edited by Identity (2007-05-25 16:30:26)