Without actual division, show that is exactly divisible by
.
Let f(x) = x3 – 3x2 – 13x + 15
Now, we have
x2 + 2x – 3 = 0
x2 + 3x – x – 3 = 0
(x + 3)(x – 1)
Hence, f(x) will be exactly divisible by x2 + 2x – 3 = (x + 3)(x – 1)
Now,
Using factor theorem,
If (x + 3) and (x – 1) are both the factors of f(x), then f(-3) = 0 and f(1) = 0
Now,
f(-3) = (-3)3 – 3(-3)2 – 13(-3) + 15
= - 27 – 27 + 39 + 15
= - 54 + 54
= 0
And,
f(1) = (1)3 – 3(1)2 – 13(1) + 15
= 1 – 3 - 13 + 15
= 16 - 16
= 0
Now,
Since, f(-3) = 0 and f(1) = 0
Therefore, x2 + 2x -3 divides f(x) completely.