1. Apply the Factor Theorem to form the first equation
Since x−1 is a factor, p(1)=0.
(1+1)3+5(1−1)2+a(1)+b=0
23+0+a+b=0
8+a+b=0
a+b=−8— (1)
2. Apply the Remainder Theorem to form the second equation
Since the remainder is 21 when divided by x−2, p(2)=21.
(2+1)3+5(2−1)2+a(2)+b=21
33+5(1)2+2a+b=21
27+5+2a+b=21
32+2a+b=21
2a+b=−11— (2)
3. Solve the simultaneous equations to find $a$ and $b$
Subtracting equation (1) from equation (2):
(2a+b)−(a+b)=−11−(−8)
a=−3
Substitute a=−3 into equation (1):
−3+b=−8
b=−5
答案a=−3, b=−5