The Factor Theorem

Summary

when a polynomial is divided by a divisor and the remainder is zero, this means that the divisor is a factor.

the factor theorem states that if f(a) = 0 then (x − a) is a factor.

the factor theorem can be used to help factorise polynomials especially cubics and higher order polynomials.

Key Skills

factorise cubics and higher order polynomials using the factor theorem

Vocabulary

factor theorem, remainder theoremfactor, quadratic, cubic, polynomial