1. Apply the Factor Theorem for $(x-3)$ to form the first equation.
Since (x−3) is a factor, f(3)=0.
2(3)3+p(3)2+7(3)+q=0
54+9p+21+q=0
9p+q=−75— (1)
2. Apply the Factor Theorem for $(x-2)$ to form the second equation.
Since (x−2) is a factor, f(2)=0.
2(2)3+p(2)2+7(2)+q=0
16+4p+14+q=0
4p+q=−30— (2)
3. Solve the simultaneous equations to find $p$ and $q$.
Subtracting (2) from (1):
(9p+q)−(4p+q)=−75−(−30)
5p=−45
p=−9
Substitute p=−9 into (2):
4(−9)+q=−30
−36+q=−30
q=6
4. Find the remaining linear factor of $f(x)$.
The polynomial is f(x)=2x3−9x2+7x+6.
Since (x−3) and (x−2) are factors, their product (x−3)(x−2)=x2−5x+6 is a quadratic factor of f(x).
Let the third linear factor be (ax+b).
2x3−9x2+7x+6=(x2−5x+6)(ax+b)
Comparing the coefficients of x3: a=2.
Comparing the constant terms: 6b=6⟹b=1.
So, the third factor is (2x+1).
5. Solve $f(x) = 0$.
f(x)=(x−3)(x−2)(2x+1)=0
x−3=0⟹x=3
x−2=0⟹x=2
2x+1=0⟹x=−21
答案p=−9, q=6
x=3, x=2, or x=−21