MHF4U

Advanced Functions
Student Workbook and Solutions
Chapter 2

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MHF4U
Advanced Functions
Table of Content

Chapter 2.0
Prerequisite Skills...............................................................................................................3

Chapter 2.1
The Remainder Theorem.......................................................................................................8

Chapter 2.2
The Factor Theorem..................................................................................................................14

Chapter 2.3
Polynomial Equations................................................................................................................20

Chapter 2.4
Families of Polynomial Functions........................................................................................28

Chapter 2.5
Solve Inequalities Using Technology......................................................................................35

Chapter 2.6
Solve Factorable Polynomial Inequalities Algebraically........................................................42

Chapter 2.7
Chapter 2 Review...............................................................................................................50

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MHF4U: 2.0 Prerequisite Skills
Key Points

• Factoring the difference of two squares:

o 𝑎2 − 36 = (𝑎 + 6)(𝑎 − 6)
o 3𝑥 2 − 48 = 3(𝑥 2 − 16) = 3(𝑎 + 4)(𝑎 − 4)
• Factoring perfect square trinomials:
o 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 49 = (𝑎 − 7)2
• Factoring by grouping:
o 6𝑎𝑥 − 2𝑏 − 3𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑥 = 6𝑎𝑥 − 3𝑎 + 4𝑏𝑥 − 2𝑏 = 3𝑎(2𝑥 − 1) +
2𝑏(2𝑥 − 1) = (2𝑥 − 1)(3𝑎 + 2𝑏)
• Factoring: putting it all together:
o 5𝑥 2 + 20𝑥 − 60 = 5(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 12) = 5(𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 2)
• Solving equations using factoring:
o Rewrite equation in standard form (one member equals 0).
o Factor completely.
o Set each factor equal too 0; then solve.
o Check results in original equation.
𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 + 12 = 0
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 3) = 0
𝑥 − 4 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 − 3 = 0
𝑥 = 4 ,3

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MHF4U: 2.0 Prerequisite Skills – Worksheet
Use Long Division
1. Use long divisions to find each quotient. Write the remainder.
a. 107 ÷ 4
b. 753 ÷ 22
Evaluate Functions
2. Given 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 1, evaluate.
1
a. 𝑓( )
2
b. 𝑓(−1)
Simplify Expressions
3. Expand and simplify
a. 5(6𝑥 − 2𝑦) − 2(8𝑥 − 5𝑦)
b. 5𝑝(𝑝2 + 6𝑝) – 9𝑝(2𝑝 – 3)
c. (𝑥 + 3)² + (𝑥 − 4)²
1 2
d. (𝑥 + 𝑥) (𝑥 − 𝑥)

Factor Expressions
4. Factor each difference of squares. Look for common factors first.
a. 4𝑎2 − 81𝑏 2
b. 𝑎2 𝑏 − 𝑏 3
c. 5𝑥 2 − 45𝑦 2
d. 36𝑚2 − 121
5. Factor each trinomial.
a. 36𝑥 2 + 84𝑥 + 49
b. 25𝑎2 + 60𝑎 + 36
c. 49𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 1
d. 2𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 6
e. 6𝑥 2 − 26𝑥 − 20
Solve Quadratic Equations
6. Solve by factoring.
a. 23𝑝 = 5𝑝2 + 24
b. 3𝑥 2 − 2 = 𝑥 2 + 6
c. 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6=0
d. 3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 1 = 0

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Determine Equations of Quadratic Functions
7. Determine an equation for the quadratic function, with the given zeros, and that passes
through the given point.
a. Zeros: 2, -1; point: (1,12)
1
b. Zero: − 6 , −5; point: (0,10)

Determine Intervals From Graphs

8. For each graph of polynomial function:
i) the least possible degree and the sign of the leading coefficient
ii) the x-intercepts and the factors of the function
iii) the intervals where the function is positive/negative

a.

b.

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MHF4U: 2.0 Prerequisite Skills – Solutions:
Q1:
26
a. 4̅̅̅̅̅̅
)107
8
27
24
R= 3

34
b. 22̅̅̅̅̅̅
)753
66
93
88
R= 5

Q2:
1 1 2 1
a. 𝑓 (2) = 2 (2) + 3 (2) − 1 = 1
b. 𝑓(−1) = 2(−1)2 + 3(−1) − 1 = −2
Q3:
a. 5(6𝑥 − 2𝑦) − 2(8𝑥 − 5𝑦) = 30𝑥 − 10𝑦 − 16𝑥 + 10𝑦 = 14𝑥
b. 5𝑝(𝑝2 + 6𝑝)– 9𝑝(2𝑝 – 3) = 5𝑝3 + 30𝑝2 − 18𝑝2 + 27𝑝 = 5𝑝3 + 12𝑝2 + 27𝑝
c. (𝑥 + 3)2 + (𝑥 − 4)2 = 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9 + 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 16 = 2𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 25
1 2 2 2
d. (𝑥 + 𝑥) (𝑥 − 𝑥) = 𝑥 2 − 2 + 1 − 𝑥 2 = 𝑥 2 − 1 − 𝑥 2

Q4:

a. 4𝑎2 − 81𝑏 2 = (2𝑎 − 9𝑏)(2𝑎 + 9𝑏)

b. 𝑎2 𝑏 − 𝑏 3 = (𝑎2 − 𝑏 2 )𝑏 = (𝑎 − 𝑏)(𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑏
c. 5𝑥 2 − 45𝑦 2 = 5(𝑥 2 − 9𝑦 2 ) = 5(𝑥 − 3𝑦)(𝑥 + 3𝑦)
d. 36𝑚2 − 121 = (6𝑚 − 11)(6𝑚 + 11)
Q5:

a. 36𝑥 2 + 84𝑥 + 49 = (6𝑥 + 7)2

b. 25𝑎2 + 60𝑎 + 36 = (5𝑥 + 6)2
c. 49𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 + 1 = (7𝑥 − 1)2
d. 2𝑥 2 + 8𝑥 + 6 = 2(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 3) = 2(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 1)
e. 6𝑥 2 − 26𝑥 − 20 = 2(3𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 − 10) = 2(3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 5)

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Q6:
8
a. 23𝑝 = 5𝑝2 + 24 → 5𝑝2 − 23𝑝 + 24 = 0 → (5𝑝 − 8)(𝑝 − 3) = 0 → 𝑝 = 5 , 3
b. 3𝑥 2 − 2 = 𝑥 2 + 6 → 2𝑥 2 − 8 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 − 4 = 0 → (𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 4) = 0 → 𝑥 = 4, −4
c. 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 6 = 0 → (𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 → 𝑥 = 6, −1
1
d. 3𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 1 = 0 → (3𝑦 − 1)(𝑦 + 1) = 0 → 𝑦 = 3 , −1

Q7:
a. Zeros: 2, -1; point: (1,12)
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)
12 = 𝑎(1 − 2)(1 + 1)
12 = −2𝑎 → 𝑎 = −6

𝑦 = −6(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)

1
b. Zero: − 6 , −5; point: (0,10)
1
𝑦 = 𝑎 (𝑥 + ) (𝑥 + 5)
6
1
10 = 𝑎 (0 + ) (0 + 5)
6
5
10 = 𝑎 → 𝑎 = 12
6

1
𝑦 = 12 (𝑥 + ) (𝑥 + 5) 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 = 2(6𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 5)
6
Q8:
a. i) Three x-intercepts of order 1, so the least possible degree is 3. The graph goes from
quadrant 2 to 4 so the leading coefficient is negative.
ii) the x-intercepts are -5,0, and 3. The factors are (x+5), x, (x-3)
iii)
Interval 𝑋 < −5 −5 < 𝑋 < 0 0<𝑋<3 𝑋>3
Sign of y + - + -

b. i) Two x-intercepts of order 1 and one x-intercept of order2, so the least possible degree
is 4. The graph goes from quadrant 2 to 1 so the leading coefficient is positive.
ii) the x-intercepts are -2,1, and 3. The factors are (x+2), (x-1), and (x-3)2
iii)
Interval 𝑋 < −2 −2 < 𝑋 < 1 1<𝑋<3 𝑋>3
Sign of y + - + +

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MHF4U: 2.1 The Remainder Theorem
Key Points

• Long division can be used to divide a polynomial by a binomial.

• The result of the division of a polynomial function 𝑃(𝑥) by a binomial of the form 𝑥 −
𝑃(𝑥) 𝑅
𝑏 can be written as 𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 𝑏)𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅 or 𝑥−𝑏 = 𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑥−𝑏, where 𝑄(𝑥) is the
quotient and 𝑅 is the remainder.
• To check the result of a division, use 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑟 × 𝑞𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 + 𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟 = 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑑.
• The remainder theorem states that when a polynomial function 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by
(𝑥 − 𝑏), the remainder is 𝑃(𝑏), and when it is divided by 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏, the remainder is
𝑏
𝑃 (𝑎), where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are integers and 𝑎 ≠ 0.

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MHF4U: 2.1 The Remainder Theorem – Worksheet
1. Find the following quotients using long division. Express the result in quotient form.
Identify any restrictions on the variable. Also, write the statement that can be used to
check the division then check it.
a. 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7 divided by 𝑥 + 2
b. 2𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3 divided by 𝑥 − 1
c. 4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 divided by 2𝑥 + 1
2. The volume, in cubic cm, of a rectangular box is given by 𝑉(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 6.
Determine expressions for possible dimensions of the box if the height is given by 𝑥 + 3.
3. Is 𝑥 + 10 a factor of the polynomial 𝑥 2 + 17𝑥 + 70? If yes, prove it and find the other
factor?
4. Christa wants to test whether various linear expressions divide exactly into 𝑃(𝑥), or
whether they leave a remainder. For each linear expression below, state the value
of 𝑥 that needs to be substituted into 𝑃(𝑥) to find the remainder.
a. 5 + 4𝑥
b. 6 − 𝑥
5. Using the remainder theorem, find the remainder when 𝑃(𝑥) = −4𝑥 4 + 6𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 −
7𝑥 + 7 is divided by 𝐴(𝑥) = 3𝑥 − 1
6. When 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 𝑘 is divided by 𝑥 − 3, the remainder is 47. Finde the value of
𝑘.
7. Suppose 𝑃(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 − 3 and 𝑄(𝑥) = 2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 𝑘 (with 𝑘 unknown), both
contain a common factor of the form (𝑥 − 𝑎) where 𝑎 is an integer. Is it possible to
determine 𝑘?
8. When the polynomials 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 4 + 5𝑥 3 − 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑛 and 𝑄(𝑥) = 𝑚𝑥 2 + 𝑛𝑥 − 1 are both
divided by 𝐷(𝑥) = 𝑥 − 1, the remainders are 7 and −6 respectively. Can we
find 𝑚 and 𝑛?
9. The polynomials 𝑃(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 15 and 𝑄(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 + 𝑘 have a common
factor of 𝑥 + 𝑝, where 𝑝 is an integer. Find 𝑘 and 𝑝.

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MHF4U: 2.1 The Remainder Theorem – Solutions:
Q1:
𝑥+3
a. 𝑥 + 2̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥
3𝑥 + 7
3𝑥 + 6
𝑅= 1
The result in quotient form is:
𝑥2 + 5𝑥 + 7 1
=𝑥+3+
𝑥+ 2 𝑥+ 2
The expression that can be used to check the division is:
𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 2) + 1
Prove:
(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 2) + 1 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 3𝑥 + 6 + 1 = 𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 7
Restriction: 𝑥 ≠ −2

2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 1
b. 𝑥 − 1̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)2𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3
2𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2
9𝑥 2 − 8𝑥
9𝑥 2 − 9𝑥
𝑥+3
𝑥−1
𝑅= 4
The result in quotient form is:
2𝑥3 + 7𝑥2 − 8𝑥 + 3 4
= 2𝑥2 + 9𝑥 + 1 +
𝑥−1 𝑥−1
The expression that can be used to check the division is:
2𝑥 3 + 7𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3 = (2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) + 4
Prove:
(2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1) + 4 = 2𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 + 𝑥 − 1 + 4 = 2𝑥 3 + 7 𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 3
Restriction: 𝑥 ≠ 1
5 13
2𝑥 2 − 2 𝑥 + 4
c. 2𝑥 + 1
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2
−5𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
5
−5𝑥 2 − 𝑥
2

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 13
𝑥+0
2
13 13
𝑥+
2 4
13
𝑅= −
4
The result in quotient form is:
4𝑥3 − 3𝑥2 + 4𝑥 5 13 13
= 2𝑥2 − 𝑥 + −
2𝑥 + 1 2 4 4(2𝑥 + 1)
The expression that can be used to check the division is:
5 13 13
4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 = (2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) (2𝑥 + 1) −
2 4 4
13
𝑜𝑟 4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 = 4(8𝑥 2 − 10𝑥 + 13)(2𝑥 + 1) −
4
Prove:
5 13 13 5 13 13 13
(2𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + ) (2𝑥 + 1) − = 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 𝑥 + −
2 4 4 2 2 4 4
= 4𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
1
Restriction: 𝑥 ≠ − 2

Q2: Dividing the volume by the height will give an expression for the area of the base of the
box:
𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2
a. 𝑥 + 3̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 6
𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2
3𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 6
3𝑥 2 + 9𝑥
2𝑥 + 6
2𝑥 + 6
𝑅= 0
𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 11𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)
3 2

Factoring the area of the base to get possible dimensions for the length and width of the
box:

𝑥 3 + 6𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 3)

Then the expressions for the possible dimensions of the box are (𝑥 + 2), (𝑥 + 1), and (𝑥 +
3).
Q3:
𝑥+7
a. 𝑥 + 10̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
2
)𝑥 + 17𝑥 + 70
𝑥 2 + 10𝑥

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 7𝑥 + 70
7𝑥 + 70
𝑅= 0
Yes, because the remainder of the division is 0, so 𝑥 + 10 divides exactly into 𝑥 2 + 17𝑥 +
70. The other factor as been found above is 𝑥 + 7. So:
𝑥 2 + 17𝑥 + 70 = (𝑥 + 10)(𝑥 + 7)
Q4:
a. Let's say that when a polynomial 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 5 + 4𝑥, the quotient is Q(x) and 𝑅 is
the remainder. This means we can write 𝑃(𝑥) like this:
𝑃(𝑥) = (5 + 4𝑥)𝑄(𝑥) + 𝑅
If we just want to know what the remainder is, we look for a value of 𝑥 that we can
substitute into both sides so that we're just left with the remainder 𝑅 on the right hand
side. This means that we need to substitute a value of 𝑥 that makes 5 + 4𝑥 equal to
5
zero. So: 𝑥 = − 4
b. Using similar step as in (a) we can find 𝑥 = 6
Q5:
1
3𝑥 − 1 = 0 → 𝑥 =
3

4 3 2
1 1 4 1 3 1 2 1
𝑃(𝑥) = −4𝑥 + 6𝑥 + 4𝑥 − 7𝑥 + 7 → 𝑃 ( ) = −4 ( ) + 6 ( ) + 4 ( ) − 7 ( ) + 7
3 3 3 3 3
428
=
81
428
Therefore, the remainder is equal to 81

Q6:

We substitute 𝑥 = 3, in 3𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 𝑘 and make it equal to the remainder value 47:

3(3)3 − 2(3)2 − 4(3) + 𝑘 = 47 → 3 × 27 − 2 × 9 − 12 + 𝑘 = 47 → 𝑘 + 51 = 47

→ 𝑘 = −4
Q7: Knowing (𝑥 − 𝑎) is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥), from the remainder theorem we also know
that 𝑃(𝑎) = 0. Hence we can set 5𝑎2 − 14𝑎 − 3 = 0, and this factors to (𝑎 − 3)(5𝑎 + 1) =
0. So we now know that, because 𝑎 is an integer, the common factor must be (𝑥 − 3).
Therefore, from the second polynomial 𝑄(𝑥), we apply the remainder theorem again.
Specifically, we know that 𝑄(3) = 0. This means that 2(3)2 − (3) + 𝑘 = 0.
After simplifying we thus know that 15 + 𝑘 = 0, and so 𝑘 = −15.

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Q8: Using the remainder theorem we can develop two equations from knowing that 𝑃(1) =
7 and 𝑄(1) = −6. Thus, after simplifying:
1+5−𝑚+𝑛 =7→ 𝑛−𝑚 = 1
𝑚 + 𝑛 − 1 = −6 → 𝑚 + 𝑛 = −5
These simultaneous equations are easily solved. By addition, 2𝑛 = −4 and so 𝑛 = −2. By
subtracting, −2𝑚 = 6 and so 𝑛 = −3.
Q9:
First we substitute 𝑥 = −𝑝 in 𝑃(𝑥) = 4𝑥 2 − 7𝑥 − 15 and make it equal to zero to find 𝑝:

𝑃(𝑝) = 4(−𝑝)2 − 7(−𝑝) − 15 = 0 → 4(𝑝)2 + 7(𝑝) − 15 = 0 → (4𝑝 − 5)(𝑝 + 3) = 0 →

5
𝑝 = −3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 = 4

Since 𝑝 is an integer, we can eliminate the non-integer solution of 𝑝. Therefore our factor is 𝑥 +
3
Now we substitute the value of 𝑝 or 𝑥 = −3 in 𝑄(𝑥) = 5𝑥 2 + 13𝑥 + 𝑘 and make it equal to
zero to find 𝑘:

𝑄(3) = 5(3)2 + 13(3) + 𝑘 = 0 → 45 + 39 + 𝑘 = 0 → 𝑘 = −84

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MHF4U: 2.2 The Factor Theorem
Key Points

For integer values of 𝑎 and 𝑏 with 𝑎 ≠ 0,

• The factor theorem states that 𝑥 − 𝑏 is a factor of a polynomial 𝑃(𝑥) if and only if
𝑃(𝑏) = 0.
𝑏
Similarly, 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏 is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥) if and only if 𝑃 (𝑎) = 0.
• The integral zero theorem states that if 𝑥 − 𝑏 is a factor of a polynomial function 𝑃(𝑥)
with leading coefficient 1 and remaining coefficient that are integers, then 𝑏 is a factor
of the constant term of 𝑃(𝑥).
• The rational zero theorem states that if 𝑃(𝑥) is a polynomial function with integer
𝑏
coefficients and 𝑥 = 𝑎 is a rational zero of 𝑃(𝑥), then
o 𝑏 is a factor of the constant term of 𝑃(𝑥).
o 𝑎 is a factor of the leading coefficient of 𝑃(𝑥).
o 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏 is a factor of 𝑃(𝑥).

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MHF4U: 2.2 The Factor Theorem – Worksheet
1. Write the binomial factor corresponding to the polynomial 𝑃(𝑥).
a. 𝑃(−5) = 0
3
b. 𝑃 (2) = 0
c. 𝑃(𝑎) = 0
2. Determine if (𝑥 − 1) is a factor of 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7.
3. List the values that could be zeros of each polynomial. Then factor the polynomial.
a. 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 9
b. 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6

4. a. Factor each difference of quartics

i) 𝑥 4 − 1
ii) 𝑥 4 − 16
iii) 𝑥 4 − 81
b. Use the results of part (a) to predict a pattern for factoring 𝑥 4 − 𝑎4 .
c. Use your pattern from part (b) to factor 𝑥 4 − 625. Verify your answer by expanding.
d. Factor each polynomial:
i. 16𝑥 4 − 1
16
ii. 625 𝑥 4 − 9𝑦 2
5. Assuming a rectangle having a volume modelled by 𝑉(𝑠) = 2𝑠 3 + 7𝑠 2 + 8𝑠 + 3 find
possible dimensions of the block in terms of binomials of 𝑠.

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MHF4U: 2.2 The Factor Theorem – Solutions:
Q1:

a. 𝑃(−5) = 0 → (𝑥 + 5)
3 3
b. 𝑃 (2) = 0 → (𝑥 − 2) or (2𝑥 − 3)
c. 𝑃(𝑎) = 0 → (𝑥 − 𝑎)

Q2: Using factor theorem, if 𝑥 − 1 is a factor of 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7, then by putting 𝑥 = 1, the

given polynomial should equal to zero.
2(1)4 + 3(1)2 − 5(1) + 7 = 2 + 3 − 5 + 7 = 7
Since the polynomial is not equal to zero then 𝑥 − 1 is not a factor of 2𝑥 4 + 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7.
Q3:

a. 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 9
Possible factors: ±9, ±3, ±1
𝑃(−9) = (−9)3 + (−9)2 − 9(−9) − 9 = −576
𝑃(9) = (9)3 + (9)2 − 9(9) − 9 = 720
𝑃(−3) = (−3)3 + (−3)2 − 9(−3) − 9 = 0
𝑃(3) = (3)3 + (3)2 − 9(3) − 9 = 0
𝑃(−1) = (−1)3 + (−1)2 − 9(−1) − 9 = 0
𝑃(+1) = (1)3 + (1)2 − 9(1) − 9 = −16
The remainder for 3 factors were found to be zero, therefore 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by
(𝑥 + 3), (𝑥 − 3 ), and (𝑥 + 1). So, (𝑥 + 3), (𝑥 − 3 ), and (𝑥 + 1) are factors of 𝑃(𝑥):
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 3 )(𝑥 + 1)

b. 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
Possible factors: ±6, ±3, ±2, ±1
𝑃(−6) = (−6)3 − 2(−6)2 − 5(−6) + 6 = −252
𝑃(6) = (6)3 − 2(6)2 − 5(6) + 6 = 120
𝑃(−3) = (−3)3 − 2(−3)2 − 5(−3) + 6 = −24
𝑃(3) = (3)3 − 2(3)2 − 5(3) + 6 = 0
𝑃(−2) = (−2)3 − 2(−2)2 − 5(−2) + 6 = 0
𝑃(2) = (2)3 − 2(2)2 − 5(2) + 6 = −4
𝑃(−1) = (−1)3 − 2(−1)2 − 5(−1) + 6 = 8
𝑃(+1) = (1)3 − 2(1)2 − 5(1) + 6 = 0
The remainder for 3 factors were found to be zero, therefore 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by
(𝑥 − 3), (𝑥 + 2 ), and (𝑥 − 1). So, (𝑥 − 3), (𝑥 + 2 ), and (𝑥 − 1) are factors of 𝑃(𝑥):
𝑃(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2 )(𝑥 − 1)

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Q4:
a. We start by trying in the possible factors:

i) 𝑥 4 − 1
𝑃(1) = 14 − 1 = 0
Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 − 1). Use division to find the other
factor:
-1 1 0 0 0 -1
− -1 -1 -1 -1
× 1 1 1 1 0

𝑥 4 − 1 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1)
If we apply the step to the second term (𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1) we would get:

𝑃(−1) = (−1)3 + (−1)2 − 1 + 1 = 0

Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 + 1). Use division to find the other
factor:
1 1 1 1 1
− 1 0 1
× 1 0 1 0
𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 1 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 + 1)
So, putting all together: 𝑥 4 − 1 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 + 1) = (𝑥 2 − 1)(𝑥 2 + 1)

ii) 𝑥 4 − 16
𝑃(2) = 24 − 16 = 0
Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 − 2). Use division to find the other
factor:
-2 1 0 0 0 -16
− -2 -4 -8 -16
× 1 2 4 8 0

𝑥 4 − 16 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 8)
If we apply the step to the second term (𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 8) we would get:
𝑃(−2) = (−2)3 + 2(−2)2 + 4(−2) + 8 = 0

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 Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 + 2). Use division to find the other
factor:
2 1 2 4 8
− 2 0 8
× 1 0 4 0
𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 8 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 4)
So, putting all together: 𝑥 4 − 16 = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 4) = (𝑥 2 − 4)(𝑥 2 + 4)

iii) 𝑥 4 − 81
𝑃(3) = 34 − 81 = 0
Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 − 3). Use division to find the other
factor:
-3 1 0 0 0 -81
− -3 -9 -27 -81
× 1 3 9 27 0

𝑥 4 − 81 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 27)
If we apply the step to the second term (𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 27) we would get:
𝑃(−3) = (−3)3 + 3(−3)2 + 9(−3) + 27 = 0
Since the remainder is zero, 𝑃(𝑥) is divisible by (𝑥 + 3). Use division to find the other
factor:
3 1 3 9 27
− 3 0 8
× 1 0 9 0
𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 27 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 + 9)
So, putting all together: 𝑥 4 − 81 = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 2 + 9) = (𝑥 2 − 9)(𝑥 2 + 9)

b. 𝑥 4 − 𝑎4 = (𝑥 − 𝑎)(𝑥 3 + 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑎3 ) = (𝑥 2 − 𝑎2 )(𝑥 2 + 𝑎2 )
c. 𝑥 4 − 625 = 𝑥 4 − 54 = (𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 3 + 5𝑥 2 + 25𝑥 + 125) = (𝑥 2 − 25)(𝑥 2 + 25)
Proof: (𝑥 2 − 25)(𝑥 2 + 25) = 𝑥 4 + 25𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 2 − 625 = 𝑥 4 − 625
d.
iii. 16𝑥 4 − 1 = (4𝑥 2 − 1)(4𝑥 2 + 1)

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 16 4 4
iv. 𝑥 4 − 9𝑦 2 = (25 𝑥 2 − 3𝑦)(25 𝑥 2 + 3𝑦)
625

Q5: 𝑉(𝑠) = 2𝑠 3 + 7𝑠 2 + 8𝑠 + 3
Let 𝑏 represent the factors of the constant term 3, which are ±3 and ±1.
Let 𝑎 represent the factors of the leading coefficient 2, which are ±2 and ±1.
𝑏 1 1 3 3 𝑏 1 3
The possible values of 𝑎 = ± 1 , ± 2 , ± 1 , ± 2 or 𝑎 = ±1, ± 2 , ±3, ± 2
𝑏
By testing the values of 𝑎 for 𝑠 we can find which one makes 𝑉(𝑠) = 0

𝑉(+1) = 20

𝑉(−1) = 0
1
𝑉 (+ ) = 9
2
1
𝑉 (− ) = 0.5
2
𝑉(+3) = 144
𝑉(−3) = −12
3
𝑉 (+ ) = 37.5
2
3
𝑉 (− ) = 0
2
3
So 𝑉(𝑠) = 2𝑠 3 + 7𝑠 2 + 8𝑠 + 3 = (𝑠 + 1)2 (𝑠 + 2)
3
Possible dimensions of the rectangle are: (𝑠 + 1), (𝑠 + 1), and (𝑠 + 2). It appears that one face
of this rectangle is square.

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MHF4U: 2.3 Polynomial Equations
Key Points

• The real roots of a polynomial equation 𝑃(𝑥) = 0 correspond to the x-intercepts of

the graph of the polynomial function 𝑃(𝑥).
• The x-intercepts of the graph of a polynomial function correspond to the real roots of
the related polynomial function.
• If a polynomial equation is factorable, the roots are determined by factoring the
polynomial, setting its factors equal to zero, and solving each factor.
• If a polynomial equation is not factorable, the roots can be determined from the graph
using technology.

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MHF4U: 2.3 Polynomial Equations – Worksheet
1. Solve:
a. 𝑥(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0
b. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3) = 0
c. (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2)2 = 0
d. 5𝑥(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 8)(2𝑥 + 3)3 = 0
2. Use the graph to determine the roots of the corresponding polynomial equation.

a.

b.

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 c.

d.
3. Find the real roots of each polynomial equation
a. (𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 2 + 16)
b. 𝑎(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 5)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13)
4. Determine the x-intercepts of the graph of each polynomial function.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 6 − 3𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5
c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
5. Solve by factoring:
a. −x 4 + 𝑥 2 = 0
b. 4x 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 − 6 = 0
c. 3x 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 13x 2 − 8𝑥 + 4 = 0
d. 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
6. Solve by factoring:
a. 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 + 20
b. 3𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 2 − 23𝑥 − 10
7. A cosmetics company needs a storage box that has twice the volume of its largest box.
Its largest box measures 5 inches by 4 inches by 3 inches. The storage box needs to be
made larger by adding the same amount (an integer) of each largest box sides to each
dimension. Find the increase to each dimension.

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MHF4U: 2.3 Polynomial Equations – Solutions:
Q1:

a. 𝑥(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0 → 𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2
b. (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3) = 0 → 𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −3
c. (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2)2 = 0 → (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 2) = 0 → 𝑥 = 3 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 2
3
d. 5𝑥(𝑥 + 2)2 (𝑥 − 8)(2𝑥 + 3)3 = 0 → 𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 8 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = − 2

Q2:
a. 𝑥 = −3, 0𝑟 𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 4
b. 𝑥 = −5, 0𝑟 𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 3
c. 𝑥 = −3, 0𝑟 𝑥 = 2, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
d. 𝑥 = −1, 0𝑟 𝑥 = 2, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 4
Q3:

a. (𝑥 − 2)2 (𝑥 2 + 16) = 0 → 𝑥 = 2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 = −16 (𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠) → 𝑥 = 2

b. 𝑎(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 5)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13) = 0 → 𝑎(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 13) =
2±√(−2)2 −1×13
0 → 𝑥 = −1, 𝑥 = 5, 𝑥 = −5, 𝑥 = (𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠) →
1
𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒: 𝑥 = −1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −5
Q4:

a. f(𝑥) = 𝑥 6 − 3𝑥 4 + 2𝑥 2
0 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 4 − 3𝑥 2 + 2)
0 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 2)(𝑥 2 − 1)
0 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − √2)(𝑥 + √2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)
x = 0, or x = ±√2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = ±1

The x-intercepts are 0, ±√2 , ±1

b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5
0 = 𝑥 3 − 5𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 5
0 = 𝑥 2 (x − 5) − (𝑥 − 5)
0 = (𝑥 2 − 1)(𝑥 − 5)
0 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 5)
𝑥 = 1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
The x-intercepts are 5 , ±1

c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
0 = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
0 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
0 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1) + 5𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6

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 0 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1) + (5𝑥 + 6)(𝑥 − 1)
0 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + 6)
0 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)
𝑥 = 1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −3
The x-intercepts are 1 , −2, −3
Q5:

a. −x 4 + 𝑥 2 = 0 → −𝑥 2 (𝑥 2 − 1) = 0 → −𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = 0 →
𝑥 = 0 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 1 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1
b. 4x 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 − 6 = 0
Using the integral zero theorem test factors of -6, that is, ±6, ±3, ±2, ±1. Since 𝑥 = 3
is a zero of the polynomial, (𝑥 − 3) is a factor. Using division to determine the other
factor:
-3 4 -3 -25 -6
− -12 -27 -6
× 4 9 2 0

So 4x 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 25𝑥 − 6 = (𝑥 − 3)(4𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 2) = 0 𝑜𝑟
(𝑥 − 3)(4𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0 Therefore:
1
𝑥 = 3, 𝑥 = − , 𝑥 = −2
4
c. 3x + 2𝑥 − 13x 2 − 8𝑥 + 4 = 0
4 3

Using the integral zero theorem test factors of 4, that is, ±4, ±2, ±1. Since 𝑥 = 2 is a
zero of the polynomial, (𝑥 − 2) is a factor. Using division to determine the other factor:
-2 3 2 -13 -8 4
− -6 -16 -6 4
× 3 8 3 -2 0

So 3x 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 13x 2 − 8𝑥 + 4 = (𝑥 − 2)(3𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2) = 0
Repeating the same procedure for 3𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2, test factors of -2 is, ±2, ±1.
Since 𝑥 = −1 is a zero of the polynomial, (𝑥 + 1) is a factor. Using division to determine
the other factor:
1 3 8 3 -2
− 3 5 -2
× 3 5 -2 0

So 3x 4 + 2𝑥 3 − 13x 2 − 8𝑥 + 4 = (𝑥 − 2)(3𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 + 3𝑥 − 2) = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 +

1)(3𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 2) = 0 0r
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 1)(3𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2) = 0 Therefore:

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 1
𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = , 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −2, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 2
3
d. 𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 6) + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
(𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 2 + 1) = 0

𝑥=6
𝑥 2 = −1 Not real solution
Q6:

a. 2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 + 20
Use the rational zero theorem to determine the values that should be tested.
Let 𝑏 represent the factors of the constant term 20, which are
±20, ±10, ±5, ±4, ±2, ±1.
Let 𝑎 represent the factors of the leading coefficient 2, which are ±2, ±1.
𝑏 5 1
The possible values of 𝑎 are ±10, ±20, ±5, ± 2 , ±5, ±4, ±2, ± 2 , ±1
𝑏
By testing the values of 𝑎 for 𝑥 to find the zeros, we find that 𝑥 = −4 is a zero so (𝑥 + 4)
is a factor.
Use the division to determine the other factor:
4 2 -3 -39 20
− 8 -44 20
× 2 -11 5 0

2𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 + 20 = (𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 5) = 0

0r
(𝑥 + 4)(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 5) = 0. Therefore:
1
𝑥 = −4, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = , 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
2

b. 3𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 2 − 23𝑥 − 10

Use the rational zero theorem to determine the values that should be tested.
Let 𝑏 represent the factors of the constant term -10, which are ±10, ±5, ±2, ±1.
Let 𝑎 represent the factors of the leading coefficient 3, which are ±3, ±1.
𝑏 10 5 2 1
The possible values of 𝑎 are ± , ±10, ± 3 , ±5, ± 3 , ±2, ± 3 , ±1
3
𝑏
By testing the values of 𝑎 for 𝑥 to find the zeros, we find that 𝑥 = −1 is a zero so (𝑥 + 1)
is a factor.
Use the division to determine the other factor:

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 1 3 -10 -23 -10
− 3 -13 -10
× 3 -13 -10 0

3𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 2 − 23𝑥 − 10 = (𝑥 + 1)(3𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 − 10) = 0

0r
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 5)(3𝑥 + 2) = 0. Therefore:
−2
𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = , 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 5
3

c. 10𝑥 4 − 13𝑥 3 − 21𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8

Use the rational zero theorem to determine the values that should be tested.
Let 𝑏 represent the factors of the constant term +8, which are ±8, ±4, ±2, ±1.
Let 𝑎 represent the factors of the leading coefficient 10, which are ±10, ±5, ±2, ±1.
𝑏 8 8 4 4 2 2 1 1 1
The possible values of 𝑎 are ± 10 , ± 5 , ±4, ±8, ± 10 , ± 5 , ±2, ± 10 , ± 5 , ±1, ± 10 , ± 5 , ± 2
𝑏
By testing the values of 𝑎 for 𝑥 to find the zeros, we find that 𝑥 = −1 is a zero so (𝑥 + 1)
is a factor.
Use the division to determine the other factor:
1 10 -13 -21 10 8
− 10 -23 2 8
× 10 -23 2 8 0

10𝑥 4 − 13𝑥 3 − 21𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8 = (𝑥 + 1)(10𝑥 3 − 23𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 8) = 0

If we continue the same procedure for 10𝑥 3 − 23𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 8, 𝑏 = 8 with possible
values: ±8, ±4, ±2, ±1 and 𝑏 = 10 with possible values: ±10, ±5, ±2, ±1. Then we
𝑏
have the same possible 𝑎 values. 10𝑥 3 − 23𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 8 has zero at 𝑥 = 2, so (𝑥 − 2) is
a factor.
Use the division to determine the other factor:
-2 10 -23 2 8
− -20 6 8
× 10 -3 -4 0

10𝑥 4 − 13𝑥 3 − 21𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 + 8 = (𝑥 + 1)(10𝑥 3 − 23𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 + 8)

= (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(10𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 − 4)

0r
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(2𝑥 + 1)(5𝑥 − 4) = 0. Therefore:
−1 4
𝑥 = −1, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 2, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = , 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =
2 5

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Q7:
the volume is length × width × height, so the new volume is (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 3) because the
new storage box side are designed by adding the same amount of each largest box sides to each
dimension. The new box will look like this:

The old volume is 5 × 4 × 3 inches, or 60 inches. We have to set the new volume to twice this
amount, or 120 inches.
Therefore:
𝑉(𝑥) = (𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 3)

Multiply out to get Standard Form and set to 120 (twice the original volume).

(𝑥 2 + 9𝑥 + 20)(𝑥 + 3) = 120
𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 47𝑥 + 60 = 120
𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 47𝑥 − 60 = 0
we find that 𝑥 = 1 is a zero so (𝑥 − 1) is a factor.
Use the division to determine the other factor:
-1 1 12 47 -60
− -1 -13 -60
× 1 13 60 0

So 𝑥 3 + 12𝑥 2 + 47𝑥 − 60 = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 + 60) = 0

𝑥 2 − 13𝑥 + 60 does not have real roots. Therefore, the only real root is 𝑥 = 1.
We would need to add 1 inch to double the volume of the box.

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 27

MHF4U: 2.4 Families of Polynomial Functions
Key Points

• A family of functions is a set of functions with the same characteristics.

• Polynomial functions with graphs that have the same x-intercepts belong to the same
family.
• A family of polynomial functions with zeros 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , ⋯ , 𝑎𝑛 can be represented by an
equation of the form 𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 𝑎1 )(𝑥 − 𝑎2 )(𝑥 − 𝑎3 ) ⋯ (𝑥 − 𝑎𝑛 ), where 𝑘 ∈ ℝ, 𝑘 ≠
0.
• An equation for a particular member of a family of polynomial functions can be
determined if a point on the graph is known.

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MHF4U: 2.4 Families of Polynomial Functions – Worksheet
1. The zeros of a family of cubic functions are -2, 1, and 3.
a. Determine a general equation for this family
b. Write equations for two functions that belong to this family.
c. Determine a specific equation for the member of the family whose graph has a y-
intercept of 15
d. Sketch graphs of the functions in parts b) and c)
2. Which polynomial functions belong to the same families?
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)
b. 𝑔(𝑥) = (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 3)
c. ℎ(𝑥) = 4(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 3)
d. 𝑗(𝑥) = −2(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)
e. 𝑘(𝑥) = 3.5(1 − 𝑥)(2 − 𝑥)(𝑥 + 3)
3. Determine whether each graph represents a family of functions, and explain why or why
not:

a.

b.

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4. Determine an expression for the family of polynomial functions with the given degree
and the given roots.
a. Quadratic; 2 and 7
3
b. Cubic; 4 (order2) and 4
−3
c. Quartic; , 0 (order2) and 5
2
5.
a. Determine a simplified equation for the family of quartic functions with zeros
±1, and 2 ± √3
b. Determine a specific equation for the member of the family whose graph passes through
the point (2, 18).
c. Sketch the graph of the function in part b along with 2 other family members by your
choice.
6. Determine an equation for the quartic function represented by this graph

7. For each set of roots, determine an equation of a polynomial function of minimal degree
(in standard form) that passes through the given point.
a. 2, 3 + √2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3 − √2; (1, −6)
b. 1 + √6, 1 − √6 , 4 + √3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4 − √3; (2, −10)

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MHF4U: 2.4 Families of Polynomial Functions – Solutions:
Q1:
a. The factor associated with -2 is (𝑥 + 2), the factor associated with 1 is (𝑥 − 1), and
the factor associated with 3 is (𝑥 − 3). An equation for this family is 𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 +
2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3), where 𝑘 ∈ ℝ, 𝑘 ≠ 0.
b. Sample functions can be: 𝑦1 = 1(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3) and 𝑦2 = −1(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 −
1)(𝑥 − 3)
c. Substitute this point: (𝑥, 𝑦) = (0,15) into the equation and solve for 𝑘:
15 = 𝑘(0 + 2)(0 − 1)(0 − 3),
15 5
𝑘= = 2 = 2.5,
6
5
Therefore, 𝑦 = 2 (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 3),

d.
Q2:
𝑓(𝑥), ℎ(𝑥), and 𝑗(𝑥) belong to the same family as they all have the same zeros: 𝑥 = 3, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =
−2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = −1
𝑔(𝑥), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘(𝑥) also belong to the same family as the have the same zeros: 𝑥 = −3, 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 =
2 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 = 1.
Q3:
a. All the three curves belong to the same polynomial family functions as all the three
have the same zeros.
b. Although the three curves seem the same but they do not belong to the same
polynomial family functions as they do not have the same zeros. These functions are

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 shifted horizontally and therefore their equations do not follow the form of 𝑦 =
𝑘(𝑥 − 𝑎1 )(𝑥 − 𝑎2 )(𝑥 − 𝑎3 ) ⋯ (𝑥 − 𝑎𝑛 ), where 𝑘 ∈ ℝ, 𝑘 ≠ 0.
Q4:
a. Quadratic; 2 and 7
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 7)
3
b. Cubic; 4 (order2) and 4
3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘(𝑥 − 4)2 (𝑥 − )
4
−3
c. Quartic; 2 , 0 (order2) and 5
3
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘(𝑥 + )(𝑥)2 (𝑥 − 5)
2
Q5:

a. 𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − (2 + √3)) (𝑥 − (2 − √3))

= 𝑘(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2 − √3)(𝑥 − 2 + √3)
= 𝑘(𝑥 2 − 1)((𝑥 − 2)2 − 3)
= 𝑘(𝑥 2 − 1)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4 − 3)
= 𝑘(𝑥 2 − 1)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + +1)
= 𝑘(𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 − 1)
= 𝑘(𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 − 1)
b. Plug (2,18) in the equation of the polynomial and solve for 𝑘.
18 = 𝑘(24 − 4 × 23 + 4 × 2 − 1)
18 = 𝑘(16 − 32 + 8 − 1)
18 = 𝑘(−9)
𝑘 = −2
b. Therefore: 𝑦 = −2(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − (2 + √3)) (𝑥 − (2 − √3)) or = 𝑦 =
−2(𝑥 4 − 4𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 − 1) = −2𝑥 4 + 8𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 + 2

c. Two family members of choice can be: 𝑦 = 1(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − (2 + √3)) (𝑥 −

(2 − √3)) and 𝑦 = −1(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) (𝑥 − (2 + √3)) (𝑥 − (2 − √3))

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Q6: Zero points are at 𝑥 = −3, 𝑥 = −0.5, 𝑥 = 1, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 = 2. Therefore, we can write an equation
like:
1
𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 + 3) (𝑥 + 2) (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) or
𝑘
𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) where 𝑎 = 2

Now by plugging in the point (-1,-6) (you can choose any other points on the graph that is on the
curve) we can compute the value for 𝑎.
−6 = 𝑎(−1 + 3)(2 × (−1) + 1)(−1 − 1)(−1 − 2)
1
−6 = 𝑎(2)(−1)(−2)(−3) ➔ 𝑎 = 2
1
Therefore, 𝑦 = 2 (𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)

Q7:

a. 2, 3 + √2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 3 − √2; (1, −6)

𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2) (𝑥 − (3 + √2)) (𝑥 − (3 − √2))
𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3 − √2)(𝑥 − 3 + √2)

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 𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2)((𝑥 − 3)2 − 2) = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9 − 2) = 𝑘(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 7)
= 𝑘(𝑥 3 − 6𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 − 2𝑥 2 + 12𝑥 − 14) = 𝑘(𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 − 14)

Plug in the point:

−6 = 𝑘(13 − 8 × 12 + 19 × 1 − 14)
−6 = 𝑘(−2)
𝑘=3
𝑦 = 3(𝑥 − 2) (𝑥 − (3 + √2)) (𝑥 − (3 − √2)) or

𝑦 = 3(𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 − 14) = 3𝑥 3 − 24𝑥 2 + 57𝑥 − 42

b. 1 + √6, 1 − √6 , 4 + √3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4 − √3; (2, −10)

𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − (1 + √6))(𝑥 − (1 − √6)) (𝑥 − ( 4 + √3)) (𝑥 − (4 − √3))
𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 − 1 − √6)(𝑥 − 1 + √6)(𝑥 − 4 − √3)(𝑥 − 4 + √3)
𝑦 = 𝑘((𝑥 − 1)2 − 6)((𝑥 − 4)2 − 3)
𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1 − 6)(𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 16 − 3)
𝑦 = 𝑘(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 5)(𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 + 13)
= 𝑘(𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 3 + 13𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 3 + 16𝑥 2 − 26𝑥 − 5𝑥 2 + 40𝑥 − 65)
= 𝑘(𝑥 4 − 10𝑥 3 + 24𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 − 65)
Plug the point in:
−10 = 𝑘(24 − 10 × 23 + 24 × 22 + 14 × 2 − 65)
−10 = 𝑘(−5)
𝑘=2
Therefore:
𝑦 = 2(𝑥 − (1 + √6))(𝑥 − (1 − √6)) (𝑥 − ( 4 + √3)) (𝑥 − (4 − √3))
𝑜𝑟
𝑦 = 2(𝑥 4 − 10𝑥 3 + 24𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 − 65) = 2𝑥 4 − 20𝑥 3 + 48𝑥 2 + 28𝑥 − 130

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 34

MHF4U: 2.5 Solve Inequalities Using Technology
Key Points

• A polynomial inequality results when the equal sign in a polynomial equation is

replaced with an inequality symbol.
• The real zeros of a polynomial function, or x-intercepts of the corresponding graph,
divide the x-axis into intervals that can be used to solve a polynomial inequality.
• Polynomial inequalities may be solved graphically by determining the x-intercepts and
then using the graph to determine the intervals that satisfy the inequality.
• A CAS may be used to solve a polynomial inequality numerically by determining the
roots of the polynomial equation and the testing values in each interval to see if they
make the inequality true.

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MHF4U: 2.5 Solve Inequalities Using Technology – Worksheet
1. Write the inequalities for the values of 𝑥 shown.

a.
b.

c.

d.
2. Draw a number line representation of each of the following inequalities:
a. 𝑥 ≥ 5
b. 4 ≤ 𝑥 < 9
c. −1 < 𝑥 ≤ 2
3. Write the intervals into which the x-axis is divided by each set of x-intercepts of a
polynomial function.
a. -2, 1, 3
3
b. -4, 2, 1, -2
2
c. -6, 5, 3
4. Sketch a graph of a quartic polynomial function 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) such that 𝑓(𝑥) < 0, when
3 3
−4 < 𝑥 < 0 or 2 < 𝑥 < 5, and 𝑓(𝑥) > 0, when 𝑥 < −4 or 0 < 𝑥 < 2, or 𝑥 > 5
5. For each graph, write
i) the x-intercepts
ii) the intervals of 𝑥 for which the graph is positive
iii) the intervals of 𝑥 for which the graph is negative

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 a.

b.
6. Solve each polynomial inequality by graphing the polynomial function.
a. 3𝑥 3 − 96𝑥 + 125 ≤ 20
b. 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 ≤ 48
c. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 ≥ 0

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MHF4U: 2.5 Solve Inequalities Using Technology – Solutions:
Q1:

a. 1<𝑥<4
b. 1<𝑥≤4
c. 𝑥 < 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑥 ≥ 4
d. 𝑥>3
Q2:
a. 𝑥 ≥ 5

b. 4 ≤ 𝑥 < 9

c. −1 < 𝑥 ≤ 2

Q3:

a. 𝑥 < −2, −2 < 𝑥 < 1, 1 < 𝑥 < 3, 𝑥 > 3

3 3
b. 𝑥 < −4, −4 < 𝑥 < −2, −2 < 𝑥 < 1, 1 < 𝑥 < 2 , 𝑥 > 2
2 2
c. 𝑥 < −6, −6 < 𝑥 < 3 , < 𝑥 < 5, 𝑥 > 5
3

Q4:

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Q5:
3 4
a. i) the x-intercepts are: -5, − 2, and 3,
3 4
ii) 𝑓(𝑥) > 0, when 𝑥 < −5 or − 2 < 𝑥 < 3,
3 4
iii) 𝑓(𝑥) < 0, when −5 < 𝑥 < − 2 or 𝑥 > 3,
b. i) the x-intercepts are: -3, 0, and 2,
ii) 𝑓(𝑥) > 0, when 𝑥 < −3 or 0 < 𝑥 < 2, or 𝑥 > 2
iii) 𝑓(𝑥) < 0, when −3 < 𝑥 < 0,

Q6:

a.
The values that satisfy the inequality 3𝑥 3 − 96𝑥 + 125 ≤ 20 are the values that satisfy
the inequality 3𝑥 3 − 96𝑥 + 105 ≤ 0 . Therefore we are looking for values of 𝑥 for which
the graph is negative (below the x-axis). From the graph, this occurs when 𝑥 ≤ −6.14 or
1.14 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 5.

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b.
The values that satisfy the inequality 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 ≤ 48 are the values that satisfy
the inequality 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 16𝑥 − 48 ≤ 0 . Therefore we are looking for values of 𝑥 for
which the graph is negative (below the x-axis). From the graph, this occurs when 𝑥 ≤ 3.

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 40

c.
The values that satisfy the inequality 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8 ≥ 0 are the values of 𝑥 for which the
graph is positive (above the x-axis). From the graph, this occurs when 𝑥 ≤ −4, or 𝑥 ≥
−2.

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 41

MHF4U: 2.6 Solve Factorable Polynomial Inequalities Algebraically
Key Points

• Factorable inequalities can be solved algebraically by

o Considering all cases
o Using intervals and then testing values in each interval
• Tables and number lines can help organize intervals to provide a visual clue to
solutions.

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MHF4U: 2.6 Solve Factorable Polynomial Inequalities Algebraically – Worksheet
1. Solve each inequality and show the solution on a number line
a. 𝑥 + 7 < 9
b. 3𝑥 + 9 ≤ 4 + 2𝑥
c. 2(2𝑥 + 3) > 3𝑥 + 7
2. Solve using intervals. Show each solution on a number line.
a. (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2) ≥ 0
b. (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 + 10) ≤ 0
3. Solve.
a. (𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 7) > 0
b. (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 2) ≤ 0
4. Solve using intervals:
a. 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6 < 0
b. 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 165𝑥 + 126 ≥ 0
5. Solve
a. 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 − 24 ≥ 0
b. 4𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 + 12 ≤ 0
6. A bus has a velocity that can be positive, negative or zero.
a. Its velocity is given by 𝑣 = 5𝑡 2 − 14𝑡 + 8. For what values of 𝑡 does the bus have
a velocity of 0?
b. Use your answer from part (a) to find the region where the velocity is negative.
c. On an earlier journey, the velocity of the bus is given by 𝑣 = 2𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 − 40. For
what values of 𝑡 does it have a velocity of 0?
d. Use your answer from part (c) to find the region where the velocity is negative.

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 43

MHF4U: 2.6 Solve Factorable Polynomial Inequalities Algebraically – Solutions:
Q1:

a. 𝑥 + 7 < 9 → 𝑥 < 2

b. 3𝑥 + 9 ≤ 4 + 2𝑥 → 𝑥 ≤ −5

c. 2(2𝑥 + 3) > 3𝑥 + 7 → 4𝑥 + 6 > 3𝑥 + 7 → 𝑥 > 1

Q2:
a. 𝑥 ≥ 2, 𝑥 ≤ 1

b. −10 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ −4

Q3:
a. First figure out where each factor is positive. (Each factor will be negative wherever it
isn't positive.)
𝑥 + 4 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −4
𝑥 − 2 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > 2
𝑥 − 7 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > 7
Then mark in the table the intervals where each of the factors is positive and then mark
the factors as being negative everywhere else. The factors multiply together to create
the polynomial; so the signs of the factors multiply together will give the sign of the
polynomial.

−∞ −4 2 7 ∞
𝑥+4 − 0 + + +
𝑥−2 − − 0 + +
𝑥−7 − − − 0 +
(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 7) − 0 + 0 − 0 +
Then the answer is 𝑥 > 7

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 b. 𝑥 − 3 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > 3
𝑥 + 4 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −4
𝑥 − 2 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > 2
−∞ −4 2 3 ∞
𝑥−3 − − − 0 +
𝑥+4 − 0 + + +
𝑥−2 − − 0 + +
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 + 4)(𝑥 − 2) − 0 + 0 − 0 +
Then the answer is 𝑥 ≤ −4 or 2 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 3

Q4:

a. 𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6 < 0
Use the division to determine the other factor:
1 1 -4 1 6
− 1 -5 6
× 1 -5 6 0

𝑥 3 − 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6) < 0
0r
(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) < 0.
Using the roots to break the number line into 4 intervals:

For 𝑥 < −1, we test 𝑥 = −2:

(−2 + 1)(−2 − 2)(−2 − 3) = −20 < 0 so, 𝑥 < −1 is a solution

For −1 < 𝑥 < 2, we test 𝑥 = 0:

(0 + 1)(0 − 2)(0 − 3) = 6 > 0 so, −1 < 𝑥 < 2 is not a solution

For 2 < 𝑥 < 3, we test 𝑥 = 2.5:

(2.5 + 1)(2.5 − 2)(2.5 − 3) = −0.875 < 0 so, 2 < 𝑥 < 3 is a solution

For 𝑥 > 3, we test 𝑥 = 4:

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 (4 + 1)(4 − 2)(4 − 3) = 10 > 0 so, 𝑥 > 3 is not a solution

Then the solution is 𝑥 < −1 or 2 < 𝑥 < 3

b. 4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 165𝑥 + 126 ≥ 0
Use the division to determine the other factor:
6 4 -7 -165 126
− 24 -186 126
× 4 -31 21 0

4𝑥 3 − 7𝑥 2 − 165𝑥 + 126 = (𝑥 + 6)(4𝑥 2 − 31𝑥 + 21) ≥ 0

0r
(𝑥 + 6)(4𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 7) ≥ 0.
Using the roots to break the number line into 4 intervals:

For 𝑥 < −6, we test 𝑥 = −7:

(−7 + 6)(4 × (−7) − 3)(−7 − 7) = −434 < 0 so, 𝑥 < −6 is not a solution

3
For −6 < 𝑥 < 4, we test 𝑥 = 0:
3
(0 + 6)(4 × (0) − 3)(0 − 7) = 126 > 0 so, −6 < 𝑥 < is a solution
4

3
For 4 < 𝑥 < 7, we test 𝑥 = 1:
3
(1 + 6)(4 × (1) − 3)(1 − 7) = −42 < 0 so, < 𝑥 < 7 is not a solution
4

For 𝑥 > 7, we test 𝑥 = 8:

(8 + 6)(4 × (8) − 3)(8 − 7) = 406 > 0 so, 𝑥 > 7 is a solution

3
Then the solution is −6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 4 or 𝑥 ≥ 7

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Q5:

a. 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 − 24 ≥ 0
Use the division to determine the other factor:
2 1 1 -14 -24
− 2 -2 -24
× 1 -1 -12 0

𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 14𝑥 − 24 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12) ≥ 0

0r
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3) ≥ 0.

𝑥 + 2 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −2
𝑥 −4 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > 4
𝑥 + 3 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −3

−∞ −3 −2 4 ∞
𝑥+2 − − 0 + +
𝑥−4 − − − 0 +
𝑥+3 − 0 + + +
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3) − 0 + 0 − 0 +
Then the answer is −3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ −2 or 𝑥 ≥ 4

b. 4𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 + 12 ≤ 0
4𝑥 2 + 19𝑥 + 12 = (4𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 + 4) ≤ 0
3
4𝑥 + 3 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −
4
𝑥 + 4 > 0 ⇒ 𝑥 > −4
3
−∞ −4 − ∞
4
4𝑥 + 3 − − 0 +
𝑥+4 − 0 + +
(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 + 3) + 0 − 0 +
3
Then the answer is −4 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ − 4

Q6:
a. We are trying to solve for 𝑡 when the velocity is 0:
0 = 5𝑡 2 − 14𝑡 + 8
Or
0 = (𝑡 − 2)(5𝑡 − 4)
Therefore:

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 4
𝑡 = 2, 𝑡 =
5
b. The times found in part (a) create three regions on the number line.

4
For 𝑡 < 5, we test 𝑡 = 0:
(0 − 2)(5 × 0 − 4) = 8 > 0

4
For 5 < 𝑡 < 2, we test 𝑡 = 1:
(1 − 2)(5 × 1 − 4) = −1 < 0

For 𝑡 > 2, we test 𝑡 = 3:

(3 − 2)(5 × 3 − 4) = 11 > 0

4
Therefore the range of time in which the velocity is negative is 5 < 𝑡 < 2

c. We are trying to solve for 𝑡 when the velocity is 0:

0 = 2𝑡 2 + 2𝑡 − 40
Or
0 = (𝑡 − 4)(2𝑡 + 10)
Therefore:
𝑡 = 4, 𝑡 = −5
Note: time cannot be negative.

d. The times found in part (a) create three regions on the number line.

For 𝑡 < −5, we test 𝑡 = −6:

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(−6 − 4)(2 × (−6) + 10) = 20 > 0

For −5 < 𝑡 < 4, we test 𝑡 = 0:

(0 − 4)(2 × (0) + 10) = −40 < 0

For 𝑡 > 4, we test 𝑡 = 5:

(5 − 4)(2 × (5) + 10) = 30 > 0

Therefore the range of time in which the velocity is negative is −5 < 𝑡 < 4. However, as
time cannot be negative only part of this range, meaning 0 < 𝑡 < 4, can be accepted as
the true answer.

© Ontario Virtual School 2024 49

MHF4U: 2.7 Review – Worksheet
1. i) Use the remainder theorem to determine the remainder for each division.
ii) Perform each division. Express the result in quotient form. Identify any restrictions on
the variable.
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 1 divided by (𝑥 − 2)
b. 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 divided by (2𝑥 − 1)
2. Show that (2𝑥 + 3) is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 − 3.
3. The polynomials 𝑃(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 𝑛 and 𝑄(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 + 17 leave the same
remainder when divided by 𝑥 + 1. Solve for the value of 𝑛.
4. Factorize 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60 and hence solve 𝑓(𝑥) = 0.
5. If (𝑥 + 3) and (𝑥 − 4) are both factors of 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60, find the third factor.
6. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
a. Use the factor theorem to show that (𝑥 + 2) is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥).
b. Factorise 𝑓(𝑥) completely.
c. Write down all the solutions to the equation 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
7. Factor:
a. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 9
b. 𝑔(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6
c. ℎ(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 10𝑥 2 + 31𝑥 − 30
d. 𝑘(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4

8. Solve the quadratic equation: 5𝑥(𝑥 − 1) + 7 = 2𝑥 2 + 9

9. Solve the equation by factoring: 12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 = 13𝑥 2 − 6
10. Write an expression in factored form for the polynomial of least possible degree graphed
below.

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11. Show that the function 𝑓(𝑥) = 7𝑥 5 − 9𝑥 4 − 𝑥 2 has at least one real zero between 𝑥 =
1 and 𝑥 = 2.
12. Solve 5 ≤ 3(𝑥 − 2) − 4(𝑥 + 3) ≤ 12 and show the solution on a number line.
13. Solve (2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) ≥ 0
14. Solve 4𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 − 18 < 0.

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MHF4U: 2.7 Review – Solutions:
Q1:
a. i) by Remainder Theorem, the remainder is 𝑓(2):
𝑓(𝑥) = 3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 1
𝑓(2) = 3 × 23 + 22 − 4 × 2 − 1
𝑓(2) = 24 + 4 − 8 − 1
𝑓(2) = 19

ii) Performing the division:

-2 3 1 -4 -1
− -6 -14 -20
× 3 7 10 19

3𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 1 19
= 3𝑥 2 + 7𝑥 + 10 + ,𝑥 ≠ 2
𝑥−2 𝑥−2
b. i) In this example (2𝑥 − 1) is of the form (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) is, where and 𝑎 = 2, and 𝑏 = −1.
1
The remainder would be 𝑓 (2):
𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1
1 1 3 1 2 1
𝑓( ) = 4×( ) +2×( ) −3× +1
2 2 2 2
1 1 1 3
𝑓( ) = + − +1
2 2 2 2
1 1
𝑓( ) =
2 2

ii) Alternatively, we would have used long division to show that the remainder is:
1
2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 −
2𝑥 − 1 2
̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
3 2
)4𝑥 + 2𝑥 − 3𝑥 + 1
4𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2
4𝑥 2 − 3𝑥
4𝑥 2 − 2𝑥
−𝑥 + 1
1
−𝑥 +
2
1
𝑅=
2
4𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 + 1 1 1 1
= 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − + ,𝑥 ≠
2𝑥 − 1 2 2(2𝑥 − 1) 2

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 3 3 3 3 2
Q2: When 𝑓(𝑥) is divided by (2𝑥 + 3), the remainder is 𝑓 (− 2) = 2 × (− 2) + 3 × (− 2) −
3 3 2 3 2
2 × (− 2) − 3 = −3 × (− 2) + 3 × (− 2) + 3 − 3 = 0.
Hence, (2𝑥 + 3) is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥) since the remainder is zero.
Q3: The remainder theorem tells us that if a polynomial 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 − 𝑎, the remainder
is 𝑃 (𝑎). Therefore:
The remainder when 𝑃(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 + 1 is 𝑃(−1).
The remainder when 𝑄(𝑥) is divided by 𝑥 + 1 is 𝑄(−1).
Since the remainders are the same, 𝑃(−1) = 𝑄 (−1). This will allow us to form an equation
involving 𝑛.
(−1)3 + 4(−1)2 − 5 × (−1) + 𝑛 = (−1)3 + 2 × (−1) + 17

So, 𝑛 = 6 .
Q4: To obtain the factor, we use the remainder theorem to test for 𝑓(1), 𝑓(−1) and so on, until
we obtain a remainder of zero. We found that, 𝑓(4) = 2(4)3 + 3(4)2 − 29(4) − 60 = 128 +
48 − 116 − 60 = 0. Therefore, (𝑥 − 4) is a factor of 𝑓(𝑥). Now we can divide 𝑓(𝑥) by (𝑥 − 4):
2𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 15
𝑥 − 4̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60
2𝑥 3 − 8𝑥 2
11𝑥 2 − 29𝑥
11𝑥 2 − 44𝑥
15𝑥 − 60
15𝑥 − 60
𝑅=0
And we can easily find that: 2𝑥 2 + 11𝑥 + 15 = (2𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 3)
Therefore: 𝑓(𝑥) = 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60 = (𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 3).
5
If 𝑓(𝑥) = 0, then (𝑥 − 4)(2𝑥 + 5)(𝑥 + 3) = 0. So 𝑥 = −3, − 2 , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 4.

Q5: Let the third factor be (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏). We can write the expression as a product of three linear
factors as shown:
2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60 = (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4)(𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏)

So, for the first elements: 2𝑥 3 = 𝑥 × 𝑥 × 𝑎𝑥 → 𝑎 = 2

And for the constant part: −60 = 3 × (−4) × 𝑏 → 𝑏 = 5

Hence, the third factor is (𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏) = (2𝑥 + 5).

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Alternatively, we may divide 2𝑥 3 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60 by (𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 4) = 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12
2𝑥 + 5
𝑥 2 − 𝑥 − 12̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)2𝑥 + 3𝑥 2 − 29𝑥 − 60
3

2𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 24𝑥
5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 60
5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 60
0
Therefore, third factor is (2𝑥 + 5).
Q6:

a. 𝑓(−2) = (−2)3 + 4(−2)2 + (−2) − 6 = −8 + 16 − 8 = 0. Therefore, (𝑥 + 2) is a

factor of 𝑓(𝑥).
𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3
b. 𝑥 + 2̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅
)𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6
𝑥 3 + 2𝑥 2
2𝑥 2 + 𝑥
2𝑥 2 + 4𝑥
−3𝑥 − 6
−3𝑥 − 6
𝑅=0
Therefore, 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 2 + 2𝑥 − 3) = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1)

c. 𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 6 = 0
→ (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)(𝑥 − 1) = 0
So 𝑥 = −3, −2, or 1
Q7:

a. 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 9𝑥 − 9 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1) − 9(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 9) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 +

3)
b. 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6 =
𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 6) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 3) + (𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 − 3) = (𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 2 + 𝑥 − 2) =
(𝑥 − 3)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 2)
c. 𝑥 3 − 2𝑥 2 + 31𝑥 − 30 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑥 2 − 𝑥 2 + 31𝑥 − 30 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1) − (𝑥 2 − 31𝑥 + 30) =
𝑥 2 (𝑥 − 1) − (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 30) = (𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 2 − 𝑥 + 30)
d. 𝑥 3 − 3𝑥 2 + 4 = 𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 2 + 4 = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1) − 4(𝑥 2 − 1) = 𝑥 2 (𝑥 + 1) −
4(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 + 1) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 4) = (𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 2)2
Q8:

5𝑥(𝑥 − 1) + 7 = 2𝑥 2 + 9 → 5𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + 7 = 2𝑥 2 + 9 → 3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 2 = 0
3𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 − 2 = 3𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 𝑥 − 2 = 0

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 3𝑥(𝑥 − 2) + (𝑥 − 2) = 0
(𝑥 − 2)(3𝑥 + 1) = 0
1
So, 𝑥 = 2 or 𝑥 = − 3

Q9:
12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 11𝑥 = 13𝑥 2 − 6

12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 13𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 +6 = 0

±1, ±2, ±3, ±6 are the possible factors. So we try them one by one to find which one make our
polynomial equal to zero.
𝑓(𝑥) = 12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 13𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 6
𝑓(−1) = 12(−1)4 + 16(−1)3 − 13(−1)2 − 11(−1) + 6 = 12 − 16 − 13 + 11 + 6 = 0
So, (𝑥 + 1) is a factor.
1 12 16 -13 -11 6
− 12 4 -17 6
× 12 4 -17 6 0

𝑓(𝑥) = 12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 13𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 + 1)(12𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 17𝑥 + 6)

Let 𝑔(𝑥) = 12𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 17𝑥 + 6 and repeat the same process to find the first factor for
𝑏
𝑔(𝑥). Here 𝑎 = 12 and 𝑏 = 6. Therefore, possible rational zeros considering 𝑥 = 𝑎 are:

1 3 1 2 1 3 1 1
± ,± ,± ,± ,± ,± ,± ,±
2 2 3 3 4 4 6 12
1 1 3 1 2 1 12 1 17 3 2 17 12
𝑔 ( ) = 12 ( ) + 4 ( ) − 17 ( ) + 6 = +4 − +6= + − + =0
2 2 2 2 8 4 2 2 2 2 2
Then (2𝑥 − 1) is a factor
1
− 12 4 -17 6
2
− -6 -5 6
× 12 10 -12 0

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 1
So, 12𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 17𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 − 2) (12𝑥 2 + 10𝑥 − 12) = (2𝑥 − 1)(6𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 − 6) =
(2𝑥 − 1)(6𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 + 9𝑥 − 6) = (2𝑥 − 1)(2𝑥(3𝑥 − 2) + 3(3𝑥 − 2)) = (2𝑥 − 1)(3𝑥 −
2)(2𝑥 + 3)
Finally:

𝑓(𝑥) = 12𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 − 13𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + 6 = (𝑥 + 1)(12𝑥 3 + 4𝑥 2 − 17𝑥 + 6) =

(𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 1)(3𝑥 − 2)(2𝑥 + 3) = 0
1 2 3
The solution is: 𝑥 = −1, 𝑥 = 2 , 𝑥 = 3, or 𝑥 = − 2

Q10.
General form of a polynomial family for such a plot is:
𝑓(𝑥) = 𝑘(𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 4)
By replacing the point (0, −1) in the above equation then we can find 𝑘 and the exact
equation that describes our plot:
𝑘(0 + 2)(0 + 1)(0 − 1)(0 − 4) = −1
𝑘(2)(1)(−1)(−4) = −1
1
𝑘=−
8
Then
1
𝑓(𝑥) = − (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 1)(𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 4)
8
Q11.

Because 𝑓(𝑥) is a polynomial and since 𝑓(1) = 7(1)5 − 9(1)4 − (1)2 = −3 < 0 is negative
and 𝑓(2) = 7(2)5 − 9(2)4 − (2)2 = 76 > 0 is positive, there is at least one real zero between
𝑥 = 1 and 𝑥 = 2.
Q12.
5 ≤ 3(𝑥 − 2) − 4(𝑥 + 3) ≤ 12
5 ≤ 3𝑥 − 6 − 4𝑥 − 12 ≤ 12
5 ≤ −𝑥 − 18 ≤ 12
23 ≤ −𝑥 ≤ 30
−23 ≥ 𝑥 ≥ −30

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Q13.
1
−∞ −3 2 ∞
2
𝑥+3 − 0 + + +
2𝑥 − 1 − − 0 + +
𝑥−2 − − − 0 +
(2𝑥 − 1)(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 3) − 0 + 0 − 0 +

1
Then the solution is 3 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 2 or 𝑥 ≥ 2

Q14.
Let 𝑓(𝑥) = 4𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 − 18

Try 𝑓(−1) = 4(−1)4 + 16(−1)3 + (−1)2 − 39(−1) − 18 = 4 − 16 + 1 + 39 − 18 ≠ 0

Try 𝑓(−2) = 4(−2)4 + 16(−2)3 + (−2)2 − 39(−2) − 18 = 0
2 4 16 1 -39 -18
− 8 16 -30 -18
× 4 8 -15 -9 0
Therefore, 4𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 − 18 = (𝑥 + 2)(4𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 − 9)
Let 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 − 9
Try 𝑔(−3) = 4(−3)3 + 8(−3)2 − 15(−3) − 9 = −108 + 72 + 45 − 9 = 0
3 4 8 -15 -9
− 12 -12 -9
× 4 -4 -3 0
Therefore, 𝑔(𝑥) = 4𝑥 3 + 8𝑥 2 − 15𝑥 − 9 = (𝑥 + 3)(4𝑥 2 − 4𝑥 − 3) = (𝑥 + 3)(4𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 +
2𝑥 − 3) = (𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 3)
And finally 4𝑥 4 + 16𝑥 3 + 𝑥 2 − 39𝑥 − 18 = (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 + 3)(2𝑥 + 1)(2𝑥 − 3) < 0
1 3
𝑥 = −2, 𝑥 = −3, 𝑥 = − , 𝑥 =
2 2

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 1 3
−∞ −3 −2 − ∞
2 2
𝑥+3 − 0 + + + +
𝑥+2 − − 0 + + +
2𝑥 + 1 − − − 0 + +
2𝑥 − 3 − − − − 0 +
Product + 0 − 0 + 0 − 0 +

1 3
Then the solution is −3 < 𝑥 < −2 or − 2 < 𝑥 < 2

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