The polynomial \(2x^{3} + x^{2} - 3x + p\) has a remainder of 20 when divided by (x - 2). Find the value of constant p.

Answer Details

The problem tells us that when we divide the polynomial \(2x^{3} + x^{2} - 3x + p\) by \((x - 2)\), the remainder is 20. We can use polynomial long division to find the quotient and remainder. \begin{array}{c|ccccc} \multicolumn{2}{r}{2x^2} & 5x & 7 \\ \cline{2-6} x-2 & 2x^3 & x^2 & -3x & +p & \\ \multicolumn{2}{r}{-2x^3} & +4x^2 & & &\\ \cline{2-3} \multicolumn{2}{r}{0} & 5x^2 & -3x & &\\ \multicolumn{2}{r}{} & -5x^2 & +10x & &\\ \cline{3-4} \multicolumn{2}{r}{} & 0 & 7x & +p & \\ \multicolumn{2}{r}{} & & -7x & +14 & \\ \cline{4-5} \multicolumn{2}{r}{} & & 0 & p+14 & \\ \end{array} The quotient is \(2x^{2} + 5x + 7\), and the remainder is \(p + 14\). We know that the remainder is equal to 20, so we can set up the equation: \[p + 14 = 20.\] Solving for \(p\), we get: \[p = 20 - 14 = 6.\] Therefore, the value of the constant \(p\) is 6, which is option (B).