MATHEMATICS

QUARTER 1 – MODULE 6

MELC 10, 11

THE X-FACTORS
OF POLYNOMIALS
PART I.

Introduction
Hello, dear students! From the previous module, you have learned how to find the
quotient and remainder of a polynomial function using different methods. In this module, you
will extend the ideas you learned on polynomials.

As you go through this module, you are expected to factor polynomials completely,
define and illustrate polynomial equations, write polynomial equations in general form, identify
the leading term, leading coefficient, and the degree of polynomial equations and apply
factoring and rational root theorem in finding the roots of polynomial equations.

Pretest
Directions: Find out how much you already know about the topics in this module. Choose the
letter of the correct answer. Take note of the items that you were not able to answer correctly
and revisit them as you go through this module for self-correction.
1. Which of the following is a polynomial?
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8
a. x2 b. 3√𝑥 – 5 c. 𝑎2 − 10𝑎 + 5 d. 𝑥 + 2y
2. What is the quotient if x2 – 100 is divided by x + 10?
a. x + 2 b. x – 2 c. x – 10 d. x + 10
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3. Which of the following is a factor of x + 5x + 6?
a. x + 1 b. x – 2 c. x + 3 d. x – 4
4. Given that x + 3 is a factor of 2x3 + x2 – 13x + 6, what are the other factors using the factor
theorem?
a. (2x + 1)(x + 2) b. (2x – 1)(x + 2) c. (2x + 1)(x – 2) d. (2x – 1)(x – 2)
5. What are the remaining roots of x3 + 5x2 – 2x – 24 = 0, given that x = 2?
a. -3 & -4 b. -2 & -3 c. 2 & 3 d. 3 & 4
6. Given (x + 1), (x – 2) and (x + 4), find the polynomial equation.
a. x3 + 3x2 + 6x + 8 c. x3 + 3x2 – 6x + 8
b. x3 – 3x2 + 6x + 8 d. x3 + 3x2 – 6x – 8
7. What is the degree of the given polynomial F(x)= 2x5 + 3x3 + 4x6 + 8?
a. 5 b. 3 c. 6 d. 8
8. What is the leading coefficient of the given polynomial F(x)= 2x + 3x3 + 4x6 + 8.
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a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 8
9. At most how many real roots does x – 2x – 4x + 8 = 0 have?
3 2

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3
10. What is the value of the given polynomial 3x4 + 6x2 – 5x – 12 if x = - 3?
a. 300 b. 301 c. 302 d. 303

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Presentation/Discussion
MELC 10: Factors polynomials
To factor any polynomial is to express it as a product of two or more polynomials.
There are several techniques to consider:
1. Common Factor
Illustrative Examples:
a. 3a – 3b b. 8x4 – 32x3 + 12x2
= 3(a – b) ; 3 is a common factor = 4x2(2x2 – 8x + 3) ; 4x2 is a common factor

2. Difference of Two Squares a2 – b2 = (a + b)(a – b)

Illustrative Examples:
a. x2 – 25 b. 36x2 – 100
= (x + 5) (x – 5) = (6x + 10) (6x – 10)

3. Sum or Difference of Two Cubes

Sum of two cubes: a3 + b3 = (a + b) (a2 – ab + b2)
Difference of two cubes: a3 – b3 = (a – b) (a2 + ab + b2)
SOAP for the formula in factoring the sum or difference of two cubes.
Same: binomial factor has the same sign as the expression
Opposite: middle term of the trinomial has the opposite sign of the binomial factor
Always: square always the last term of the binomial to get the third term of the
trinomial factor
Positive: last term of the trinomial factor is always positive
Illustrative Examples:
3 3
a. x3 – 27 ; √𝑥 3 = 𝑥 b. 8x3 + 125 ; √8𝑥 3 = 2𝑥
3 3
√27 = 3 √125 = 5
= (x – 3) (x2 + 3x + 9) = (2x + 5) (4x2 – 10x + 25)

4. Perfect Square Trinomial

a2 + 2ab + b2 = (a + b)2
a2 – 2ab + b2 = (a – b)2
Illustrative Examples:
a. x2 – 10x + 25 b. x2 + 18x + 81
= (x – 5) (x – 5) = (x + 9) (x + 9)
= (x – 5)2 = (x + 9)2

5. Trinomial of the Form x2 + bx + c, where a = 1

Illustrative examples:
a. x2 + 5x + 6 c. x2 – 5x + 6
= (x + 2) (x + 3) = (x – 2) (x – 3)
b. x2 – 6x – 27 d. x2 + 3x – 10
= (x – 9) (x + 3) = (x – 2) (x + 5)

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6. Trinomial of the Form ax2 + bx + c, where a > 1

Steps for factoring trinomials of the form ax2 + bx + c

1. Multiply a · c, then write a new trinomial in the form ax2 + bx + a · c.
2. Factor as you normally do with trinomials with the leading coefficient of 1.
3. Divide the constant in each binomial factor by the original value of a.
4. Simplify the fraction form.
5. If the simplified fraction does not have the denominator of 1, move the denominator to
the coefficient of the variable.
6. Verify the factored form by finding the product.

Illustrative Examples:
Factor the following: a. 10x2 – 27x + 5 b. 6x2 – 7x – 3
Solutions:
a. 10x2 – 27x + 5
Step 1: Multiply 10 by 5. x2 – 27x + 50
Step 2: Find two integers whose product is 50 (x – 25) (x – 2)
and whose sum is -27.
25 2
Step 3: Divide the constant by 10. (x – ) (x – )
10 10
5 1
Step 4: Simplify the fractions. (x – ) (x – )
2 5
Step 5: Move the denominator of the fractions
(2x – 5) (5x – 1)
to be the coefficient of the variables.

b. 6x2 – 7x – 3

Step 1: Multiply 6 by -3. x2 – 7x – 18

Step 2: Find two integers whose product is - (x – 9) (x + 2)
18 and whose sum is -7.
9 2
Step 3: Divide the constant by 6. (x – ) (x + )
6 6
3 1
Step 4: Simplify the fractions. (x – )(x + )
2 3
Step 5: Move the denominator of the fractions
(2x – 3) (3x + 1)
to be the coefficient of the variables.

7. Factor by Grouping
Steps:
1. Group two sets of two terms: ax + ay + bx + by = (ax + ay) + (bx + by)
2. Factor the GCF from each group: a(x + y) + b(x + y)
3. Factor the GCF from the expression (a + b)( x + y).

Illustrative Examples:
a. 4x3 + 3x2 + 8x + 6
= (4x3 + 3x2) + (8x + 6)
= x2(4x + 3) + 2(4x + 3)
= (x2 + 2)(4x + 3)
b. 3x3 – 4x2 + 9x – 12
= (3x3 – 4x2) + (9x – 12)
= x2(3x – 4) + 3(3x – 4)
= (x2 + 3)(3x – 4)

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8. Factor Theorem

The Factor Theorem states that in the Polynomial P(x) if P(c) = 0, where c is a real
number, then (x – c) is a factor of P(x). This simply means that if you divide the
polynomial P(x) by (x – c) and the remainder is zero, then (x – c) is a factor of P(x).

Illustrative Example:
1. Show that (x – 2) is a factor of P(x)= x3 + 3x2 – x – 18
Solution:
By Factor Theorem, By Synthetic Division,
x–2=0 → x=2
2 1 3 -1 -18
P(x)= x3 + 3x2 – x – 18
2 10 18
P(2) = (2)3 + 3(2)2 – (2) – 18
1 5 9 0
P(2) = 8 + 3(4) -2 – 18
P(2) = 8 + 12 – 20 The quotient is x2 + 5x + 9 and R = 0.
P(2) = 20 – 20 Since the remainder is zero, then
P(2) = 0 (x – 2) is a factor of P(x).

MELC 11: Illustrate polynomial equations

A polynomial equation is an equation if both sides of the equation are polynomial
expressions. It is a special kind of algebraic equation where each term is a constant, a
variable, or a product of constants and variables raised to whole number exponents.
It is defined by Anxn + An-1xn-1 + An-2xn-2 + ··· + A1x + A0 = 0, An ≠ 0, where n is a
nonnegative integer called the degree of the polynomial and coefficients A0, A1, …, An are
real numbers.

Illustrative Examples:

Polynomial equations Non-Polynomial equations

1. 2x + 6 = 0 1. 3𝑥 + 2𝑥 3 − 12𝑥 2 + 15 = 0
−4
2. 2x – 7x + x – 12 = 0
3 2
2. −15𝑥 4 − 8𝑥 2 + 4√𝑥 – 17 = 0
3. 7x + 12x – 4x + 10x + 9x – 8 = 0
5 4 3 2
5 3 1
4. 12x3 + 6x2 – √2x + 20 = 0 3. − − +16 = 0
𝑥3 𝑥2 𝑥
4 6 2 1
5. 𝑥 + 𝑥 4 + 𝑥 – 27 = 0
5 3 2
Take note: Exponents of every term of the polynomials are nonnegative and integral.
Also, variables should not be included as radicands.

Writing Polynomial Equation in General Form

In writing a polynomial equation in general form, make sure that the right side is equal
to zero (0). Terms are arranged from the highest exponent to the lowest exponent. The
leading term of a polynomial equation is the term with the highest exponent. The leading
coefficient is the numerical coefficient of the leading term while the degree of the polynomial
equation is the highest exponent in the expression.

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Illustrative Examples:
A. Write the following polynomial equations in general form.
1. 2x3 + 4x2 – 8 = 16x 3. 9x – 8x3 + 7x4 = -x2 + 3
2x3 + 4x2 – 8 – 16x = 16x – 16x 9x – 8x3 + 7x4 + x2 – 3 = 0
2x3 + 4x2 – 16x – 8 = 0 7x4 – 8x3 + x2 + 9x – 3 = 0

2. -x2 + 5x3 + 4x – 8 = 0
5x3 – x2 + 4x – 8 = 0

B. Complete the table by identifying the leading term, leading coefficient and degree of the
following polynomial equations.

Polynomial Equation Leading Term Leading Coefficient Degree

1. 4x + 9 = 0 4x 4 1
2. 7x2 + 5x – 19 = 0 7x2 7 2
3. x2 – x4 + 11 = 0 - x4 -1 4
4. (x – 3)(2x + 1)(x + 1) = 0 2x3 2 3
5. 3x4 + 10x5 – 6x2 – x + 9 = 0 10x5 10 5

Fundamental Theorem of Algebra

If P(x) is a polynomial equation of degree n and with real coefficient, then it has at
most n real roots.

Solving Polynomial Equation

Steps in finding the roots of polynomial equations:
1. Write the equation in general form Anxn + An-1xn-1 + An-2xn-2 + ··· + A1x + A0 = 0
2. Determine the degree of the polynomial, which tells us the number of roots it has.
3. List down all possible rational roots using the rational root theorem.
4. Use synthetic division, long division, or factor theorem to determine the roots of the
polynomial equation.
5. If the polynomial is in factored form, use the zero product property.
Zero Product Rule: If ab = 0, then a = 0 or b = 0 or both a = b = 0.

Illustrative Examples:
a. x – 4 = 8
x–4+4=8+4 → by addition property of equality
x = 12

b. (3x -1)(4x + 3) = 0
(3x – 1) = 0 ; (4x + 3) = 0 → by zero product property
𝟏 𝟑
𝒙= ; 𝒙= −
𝟑 𝟒

c. x2 + x = - 6 ; x2 + x + 6 = 0 (General Form)
(x – 2) (x + 3) = 0 → by factoring quadratic trinomial
(x – 2) = 0 ; (x + 3) = 0
x=2 ; x=–3

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d. (x – 3)2 (x + 5) (2x – 7) = 0
(x – 3) = 0 ; (x + 5) = 0 ; (2x – 7) = 0
𝟕
x=3 ; x = -5 ; 𝒙= 𝟐
𝟕
The roots are 3 multiplicity of 2, -5 and .
𝟐

Note: If a roots occur n times, it is called a root of multiplicity n.

Applying Rational Root Theorem

Let anxn + an-1xn-1 + an-2xn-2 + ··· + a1x + a0 = 0, where an ≠ 0 and ai is an integer
𝒑
for all i, 0 ≤ i ≤ n, be a polynomial equation of degree n. If , in lowest terms, is a
𝒒
rational root of the equation, then p is the factor of a0 and q is a factor of an.

Illustrative Example:
Find the roots of the equation 2x4 – 3x3 – 9x2 – x + 3 = 0.
Solutions:
2x4 – 3x3 – 9x2 – x + 3 = 0
Using synthetic division,
𝑝 1, 3
=
𝑞 1, 2 -1 2 -3 -9 -1 3
1 3 -2 5 4 -3
= ±1, ±3, ± , ± ; possible roots of 3 2 -5 -4 3 0
2 2
the equation 2x4 – 3x3 – 9x2 – x + 3 = 0 6 3 -3
1
2 1 -1 0
2
1 1
-1 2 2 0
-2
0
1
Therefore, the roots are 3, , and -1 multiplicity of 2
2

Creating Polynomial Equation Given the Roots and Factors

Illustrative Examples:
Write a polynomial equation given the roots and factors of polynomial.

a. Factors: (x + 4)(x + 3)(x – 5) b. Roots: - 1, - 6, and 3

Solutions:
(x + 4)((x + 3)(x – 5) = 0
(x2 + 7x + 12)(x – 5) = 0
x3 + 7x2 + 12x – 5x2 – 35x – 60 = 0
x3 + 2x2 – 23x – 60 = 0
Therefore, x3 + 2x2 – 23x – 60 = 0 is
the equation of the factors
(x + 4)(x + 3)(x – 5).
Solutions:
(x + 1)(x + 6)(x – 3) = 0
(x2 + 7x + 6)(x – 3) = 0
x3 + 7x2 + 6x – 3x2 – 21x – 18 = 0
x3 + 4x2 – 15x – 18 = 0
Therefore, x3 + 4x2 – 15x – 18 = 0
is the equation of the roots
-1, - 6, and 3.

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Part II. Activities

Activity 1: Figure Out My Factors

Directions: Factor completely the following polynomials. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

a. 16x2 – 24x b. x3 + 2x2 – x – 2

Activity 2: My X-Factors
Directions: Determine whether the given factor is a factor of the given polynomial, then find
the other factors by using the Factor Theorem. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

a. x + 1; x3 + 8x2 + 19x + 12 b. x + 3; 2x3 + x2 – 13x + 6

Activity 3: Parts of a Polynomial Equation

Directions: Complete the table by identifying the leading term, leading coefficient, and
degree of the following polynomial equations. Write your answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

Leading Leading
Polynomial Equation Degree
Term Coefficient
a. (x – 2)(2x – 1)(x + 1) = 0
b. 7x4 + 9x5 – 6x3 – 2x + 19 = 0

Activity 4: Trace My Roots

Directions: Find all the roots of the given polynomial by using the most convenient method.
Express your answer in factored form. Write your answer on a separate sheet of
paper.

a. x3 – 6x2 + 11x – 6 = 0 b. x4 – 5x2 + 4 = 0

Activity 5: End It with an Equation

Directions: Find the equation of the polynomial given its roots/factors. Write your answer on
a separate sheet of paper

a. (x – 4), (x + 1) and (x + 2) b. - 2, - 1 and 3

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Part III. Assessment

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet
of paper.
1. The following are examples of polynomials, EXCEPT
A. x2 – 3x +6 C. 2x4 + 5x3 – 2x – 1
B. 4x-3 + 8x-2 – 10x + 7 D. x3 – y3
2. What is the leading coefficient of the polynomial 7x10 + 5x12 – 4x6 + x4 – x?
A. 7 B. 5 C. 12 D. 10
3. What are the factors of the given polynomial x3 + 2x2 – 19x – 20?
A. (x + 1)(x + 4)(x – 5) C. (x + 1)(x – 4)(x + 5)
B. (x – 1)(x – 4)(x + 5) D. (x – 1)(x + 4)(x – 5)
4. Given P(x) = 2x3 + 4x2 – 3x – 10, what is the value of P(3)?
A. 71 B. 24 C. 88 D. 58
5. What are the roots of the polynomial x – 3x – 10x + 24?
3 2

A. 2, 4, and -3 B. -2, 4, and -3 C. 2, -4, and 3 D. -2, -4, and 3

6. Which of the following is NOT a root of x(x + 3)(x + 3)(x – 1)(2x + 1) = 0?
1
i. 0 ii. -3 iii. -1 iv.
2
A. i only B. ii only C. i and ii only D. iii and iv only
7. Which of the following is NOT a root of the polynomial equation x3 + 3x2 – 88x – 180 =0?
A. 1 B. -2 C. 9 D. -10
8. Given (x – 5)(x + 2)(x – 3) as factors, what is the equation of the polynomial?
A. x3 + 6x2 – x + 30 =0 C. x3 – 6x2 – x + 30 =0
B. x3 – 6x2 + x + 30 =0 D. x3 + 6x2 + x – 30 =0
9. Find a cubic polynomial equation with roots -2, 2, and 4.
A. x3 + 4x2 – 4x – 16 = 0 C. x3 – 4x2 – x + 16 = 0
B. 10x3 - x2 – x + 16 = 0 D. x3 – 4x2 – 4x + 16 = 0
10. If P(-2) = 0, which of the following statements is TRUE about P(x)?
A. x + 2 is a factor of P(x) C. P(x) = 0, has two negative roots
B. 2 is a root of P(x) = 0 D. P(0) = - 2

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Answer Key

10. a b. x3 – 7x – 6 = 0 b. (x – 1)(x + 1)(x – 2)(x + 2) = 0

9. d a. x3 – x2 – 10x – 8 = 0 a. (x – 1)(x – 2)(x – 3) = 0
8. c Activity 5: Activity 4
7. c
6. d 5 9 9x5
5. a 3 2 2x3
4. d Coefficient Term
3. c Degree
Leading Leading
2. c Activity 3
1. a
Pretest b. (2x - 1)(x – 2) b. (x + 2)(x – 1)(x + 1)
a. (x + 3)(x + 4) a. 8x(2x – 3)
Activity 2: Activity 1:
ACTIVITIES

References:

Callanta, M. M., Canonigo, A. M., Arnado I. Chua, J. D., Esparrago, M. S., Garcia, E. S.,
Magnaye, A. N., . . . Ternida, C. S. (First Edition 2015). Mathematics - Grade 10
Learner's Module. Pasig City, Philippines: REX Book Store, Inc.

Jose-Dilao S., O. F. (2003). Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry and Statistics Functional

Approach Textbook for Fourth Year. Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Publishing
House, Inc.