Given that \(f(x) = 2x^{3} - 3x^{2} - 11x + 6\) and \(f(3) = 0\), factorize f(x).

Assessment: WAEC SSCE - Further Mathematics - 2013 (Objective) Subject: Further Mathematics

Question 1 Report

Given that \(f(x) = 2x^{3} - 3x^{2} - 11x + 6\) and \(f(3) = 0\), factorize f(x).

Answer Details
To factorize the given expression, we can use synthetic division or long division to divide \(f(x)\) by \(x - 3\) which is one of its factors as given. The result of this division is a quadratic expression that can be factored easily. Using synthetic division, we get: \begin{array}{c|cccc} & 2 & -3 & -11 & 6 \\ \hline 3 & & 6 & 9 & -6 \\ & & & -6 & 27 \\ \hline & 2 & 3 & -2 & 21 \end{array} Thus, \(f(x) = (x - 3)(2x^{2} + 3x - 2)\). Now we need to factorize the quadratic expression \(2x^{2} + 3x - 2\). We can use the quadratic formula or factorization by grouping to factorize the quadratic expression. Factorization by grouping is simpler and can be done as follows: \begin{align*} 2x^{2} + 3x - 2 &= 2x^{2} + 4x - x - 2 \\ &= 2x(x + 2) - 1(x + 2) \\ &= (2x - 1)(x + 2) \end{align*} Therefore, the complete factorization of \(f(x)\) is: $$f(x) = (x - 3)(2x - 1)(x + 2)$$ Hence, the correct option is (C) (x - 3)(x + 2)(2x - 1).

Download The App On Google Playstore

Everything you need to excel in your exams

Green Bridge CBT Mobile App
Personalized AI Learning Chat Assistant
200,000+ Exam Questions Across IGCSE, JAMB, WAEC & NECO
Over 3,900 Lesson Notes
Offline Support - Learn Anytime, Anywhere
Green Bridge Timetable
Literature Summaries & Potential Questions
Track Your Performance & Progress
In-depth Explanations for Comprehensive Learning