Concept understanding — Polynomial Functions, Division Algorithm and Remainder Theorem
A polynomialanxn+⋯+a0 has degree n (when an=0), leading coefficient an, and constant term a0. Two polynomials are equal (as functions) exactly when their degrees match and every corresponding coefficient matches -- the basis of the method of undetermined coefficients.
Division algorithm. For polynomials f,g with g=0: f(x)=q(x)g(x)+r(x) with degr<degg, uniquely. When g(x)=x−a, the remainder is the constant r(x)=f(a) -- the Remainder Theorem. Consequently f(a)=0⟺(x−a) is a factor of f(x) -- the Factor Theorem.
Zeros and multiplicity. If f(x)=(x−a)kg(x) with g(a)=0, a is a zero of multiplicityk (multiplicity 1 = 'simple root'). A degree-n polynomial has AT MOST n distinct real zeros -- possibly fewer, possibly none (e.g. x2+1).
Conjugate irrational-zero rule. For a polynomial with rational coefficients, if a+bp (a,b∈Q, p prime) is a zero, so is its conjugate a−bp.
Synthetic division is the fast way to divide by a known linear factor (x−a) once one root is already given, immediately producing the reduced polynomial (usually a quadratic) whose remaining roots can then be found by the quadratic formula or further factoring.
Move everything to one side, divide out (x+2) by synthetic division, then solve the resulting quadratic.
✓Final answer
The other roots are x=23+53 and x=23−53.
Step 1. Rewrite as x3−x2−17x−22=0.
Step 2. Since x=−2 is a root, (x+2) is a factor. Dividing (synthetic division with root −2, coefficients 1,−1,−17,−22) gives quotient x2−3x−11 with remainder 0.
Step 3. Solve x2−3x−11=0 by the quadratic formula: x=23±9+44=23±53.
✓Final answer
x=−2,23+53,23−53 (the other two roots are 23±53).
Divide out the known linear factor (x+2) by synthetic division, then apply the quadratic formula to the quotient
Sign error carrying the synthetic-division remainder terms.
Forgetting the original given root x=−2 is not itself one of the 'other' roots asked for.