Edexcel International AS Maths: Pure 2

Revision Notes

2.1.2 Factor & Remainder Theorem

Test Yourself

Factor Theorem

What is the factor theorem?

  • The factor theorem is a very useful result about polynomials
  • A polynomial is an algebraic expression consisting of a finite number of terms, with non-negative integer indices only

2.5.3 Polynomial not polynomial, Edexcel A Level Maths: Pure revision notes

  • At A level you will most frequently use the factor theorem as a way to simplify the process of factorising polynomials

2.5.3 Factorised Polynomial Illustration, Edexcel A Level Maths: Pure revision notes

What do I need to know about the factor theorem?

  • For a polynomial f(x) the factor theorem states that:
    • If f(p) = 0, then (x - p) is a factor of f(x)

    AND

    • If (x - p) is a factor of f(x), then f(p) = 0

2.5.3 Factor Theorem Illustration, Edexcel A Level Maths: Pure revision notes

Exam Tip

  • In an exam, the values of p you need to find that make f(p) = 0 are going to be integers close to zero. 
  • Try p = 1 and -1 first, then 2 and -2, then 3 and -3. 
  • It is very unlikely that you'll have to go beyond that. 

Worked example

2.5.3 Factor Theorem Example, Edexcel A Level Maths: Pure revision notes

Remainder Theorem

What is the remainder theorem?

  • The factor theorem is actually a special case of the more general remainder theorem
  • The remainder theorem states that when the polynomial f(x) is divided by (x - a) the remainder is f(a)
    • You may see this written formally as f(x) = (x - a)Q(x) + f(a)
    • In polynomial division
      • Q(x) would be the result (at the top) of the division (the quotient)
      • f(a) would be the remainder (at the bottom)
      • (x - a) is called the divisor
    • In the case when f(a) = 0, f(x) = (x - a)Q(x) and hence (x - a) is a factor of  f(x)– the factor theorem!

How do I solve problems involving the remainder theorem?

  • If it is the remainder that is of particular interest, the remainder theorem saves the need to carry out polynomial division in full
    • e.g. The remainder from left parenthesis x squared minus 2 x right parenthesis divided by left parenthesis x minus 3 right parenthesis is 3 squared minus 2 cross times 3 equals 3
    • This is because if f(x) = x2- 2x and a = 3
  • If the remainder from a polynomial division is known, the remainder theorem can be used to find unknown coefficients in polynomials
    • g. The remainder from left parenthesis x squared plus p x right parenthesis divided by left parenthesis x minus 2 right parenthesis is 8 so the value of p can be found by solving 2 squared plus p open parentheses 2 close parentheses equals 8, leading to p space equals space 2
    • In harder problems there may be more than one unknown in which case simultaneous equations would need setting up and solving
  • The more general version of remainder theorem is if f(x) is divided by (ax - b) then the remainder is  begin mathsize 16px style straight f stretchy left parenthesis b over a stretchy right parenthesis end style
    • The shortcut is still to evaluate the polynomial at the value of x that makes the divisor (ax - b) zero but it is not necessarily an integer

Worked example

1-2-2-cie-fig1-we-solution-2

Exam Tip

  • Exam questions will use formal mathematical language which can make factor and remainder theorem questions sound more complicated than they are. 
  • Ensure you are familiar with the various terms from these revision notes

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Lucy

Author: Lucy

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels. Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all. Lucy has created revision content for a variety of domestic and international Exam Boards including Edexcel, AQA, OCR, CIE and IB.