QQuestion
Factorize completely using the Factor Theorem: 2x³ − x² − 13x − 6.
Exam-ready answer • 04 Mark
✓Answer
Let f(x) = 2x³ − x² − 13x − 6.
Substituting x = −2:
⇒ f(−2) = 2(−2)³ − (−2)² − 13(−2) − 6
⇒ f(−2) = 2(−8) − 4 + 26 − 6
⇒ f(−2) = −16 − 4 + 26 − 6
⇒ f(−2) = 0
Therefore, x + 2 is a factor.
Dividing, 2x3 – x2 – 13x – 6 by x + 2, we get :

Hence:
⇒ 2x³ − x² − 13x − 6 = (x + 2)(2x² − 5x − 3)
Splitting the middle term:
⇒ 2x² − 5x − 3 = 2x² − 6x + x − 3
⇒ 2x(x − 3) + 1(x − 3)
⇒ (2x + 1)(x − 3)
Therefore, 2x³ − x² − 13x − 6 = (x + 2)(2x + 1)(x − 3).
Related Questions
More ICSE Easy level questions
Find the value of ‘a’ if x − a is a factor of the polynomial 3x3 + x2 − ax − 81.
If x − 2 is a factor of x3 − kx − 12, then the value of k is: (a) 3 (b) 2 (c) −2 (d) −3
What must be subtracted from the polynomial x³ + x² − 2x + 1 so that the resulting polynomial is exactly divisible by (x − 3)? (a) −31 (b) −30 (c) 30 (d) 31
The factor common to the two polynomials x² − 4 and x³ − x² − 4x + 4 is: (a) (x + 1) (b) (x − 1) (c) (x − 2) (d) (x − 4)
The polynomial 3x³ + 8x² − 15x + k has (x − 1) as a factor. Find the value of k. Hence, factorize the resulting polynomial completely.
Solve the following quadratic equation: x2 + 4x − 8 = 0. Give your answer correct to one decimal place. Use mathematical tables if necessary.
Prove the following identity: (sin2 θ − 1)(tan2 θ + 1) + 1 = 0
Salman deposits ₹1000 every month in a recurring deposit account for 2 years. If he receives ₹26,000 on maturity, find: (a) the total interest Salman earns (b) the rate of interest.
Using ruler and compass, construct a triangle ABC in which AB = 6 cm, ∠BAC = 120° and AC = 5 cm. Construct a circle passing through A, B and C. Measure and write down the radius of the circle.
A and B are two points on the x-axis and y-axis respectively, as shown in the figure. (a) Write down the coordinates of A and B. (b) P is a point on AB such that AP : PB = 3 : 1. Using the section formula, find the coordinates of P. (c) Find the equation of a line passing through P and perpendicular to AB.
In the given figure, O is the centre of the circle. PQ is a tangent to the circle at T. Chord AB produced meets the tangent at P. AB = 9 cm, BP = 16 cm, ∠PTB = 50° and ∠OBA = 45°. Find: (a) the length of PT (b) ∠BAT (c) ∠BOT (d) ∠ABT
In the given figure, O is the centre of the circle. CE is a tangent to the circle at A. If ∠ABD = 26°, find: (a) ∠BDA (b) ∠BAD (c) ∠CAD (d) ∠ODB
Small steps build strong concepts.