Math Is Fun Forum

BonaviaFx

Guest

Factor Theorem

Can you guys help me out with this one please? I know the answer I just need to know how to work it out. Thanks!

If the expression x^2 + 13x -4 leaves the same remainder when divided by (x-a) and (x-2a) where a ≠ 0, find the value of a.

Cam943

Member

Registered: 2014-07-14

Posts: 6

Re: Factor Theorem

I used the remainder theorem because I think it is more suited to this question, sorry if it had to be factor theorem.

Let the function be

Since the remainders are equal, according to the remainder theorem,

Therefore,

Since a≠0, the answer must be

.

BonaviaFx

Member

Registered: 2014-12-15

Posts: 11

Re: Factor Theorem

Sorry, but it doesn't matter which to use. The title is misleading and your working is correct. Thanks again and I'm new to the forums, I will be posting frequent questions. This is because I am doing pure mathematics on my own and will sit for the exam.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Factor Theorem

hi BonaviaFx

I see you have become a member. 

Welcome to the forum.

What exam syllabus ?

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

BonaviaFx

Member

Registered: 2014-12-15

Posts: 11

Re: Factor Theorem

Hi Bob

I uploaded a pdf file of the syllabus here:
http://www.filedropper.com/am27

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Factor Theorem

hi BonaviaFx

Don't want to join up to that, sorry.  Why not just tell me the name, exam board etc.  I'll find it from there.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Factor Theorem

Hi Bob;

It looks like you just have to click the link. membership is not necessary.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Factor Theorem

hi bobbym,

Which link did you mean ?  I'm seeing:

(1)  download "fromDoctoPdf" file converting software

(2) download "Filedropper" software.

I don't see a link to the OP's file.

I'm very wary of clicking links for unknown downloads.

If it's a UK syllabus I can view it straight from their site, for example.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

ShivamS

Member

Registered: 2011-02-07

Posts: 3,648

Re: Factor Theorem

hi BonaviaFx

Don't want to join up to that, sorry.  Why not just tell me the name, exam board etc.  I'll find it from there.

Bob

You don't have to download a program, you can just download the file.

But anyway, here is another direct site: http://www.um.edu.mt/__data/assets/pdf_ … 5/AM27.pdf

AM Syllabus (2015): Pure Mathematics

Last edited by ShivamS (2014-12-15 09:34:56)

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Factor Theorem

Hi;

I agree with you about downloading. Whether even to open the pdf is a personal decision. I would scan it first, here is the picture:

click "Download this file."

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,621

Re: Factor Theorem

Thanks bobbym,  got it ok.

Bob

---

Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob