Using factor theorem, factorize each of the following polynomial:

y3-7y+ 6

Let, f (y) = y3-7y+ 6

The constant term in f (y) is equal to + 6 and factors of + 6 are ,


Putting y = 1 in f (y), we have


f (1) = (1)3 – 7 (1) + 6


= 1 – 7 + 6


= 0


Therefore, (y - 1) is a factor of f (y).


Similarly, (y - 2) and (y + 3) are the factors of f (y).


Since, f (y) is a polynomial of degree 3. So, it cannot have more than three linear factors.


Therefore, f (y) = k (y – 1) (y - 2) (y + 3)


y3-7y+ 6 = k (y – 1) (y - 2) (y + 3)


Putting x = 0 on both sides, we get


0 – 0 + 6 = k (0 – 1) (0 - 2) (0 + 3)


6 = 6k


k = 1


Putting k = 1 in f (y) = k (y – 1) (y - 2) (y + 3), we get


f (y) = (y – 1) (y - 2) (y + 3)


Hence,


y3-7y+ 6 = (y – 1) (y - 2) (y + 3)


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