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Given [tex]P(x) = 6x^5 + 49x^4 + 158x^3 + 251x^2 + 196x + 60[/tex], write [tex]P[/tex] in factored form.

[tex]\square[/tex]

Answer :

To factor the polynomial [tex]\( P(x) = 6x^5 + 49x^4 + 158x^3 + 251x^2 + 196x + 60 \)[/tex], we can try to find its roots or simplify it using obvious factors.

Step 1: Check for Simple Rational Roots

You can use the Rational Root Theorem, which suggests that any rational root, in the form [tex]\( \frac{p}{q} \)[/tex], of a polynomial with integer coefficients will have [tex]\( p \)[/tex] as a factor of the constant term (60) and [tex]\( q \)[/tex] as a factor of the leading coefficient (6).

Factors of 60: [tex]\(\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 3, \pm 4, \pm 5, \pm 6, \pm 10, \pm 12, \pm 15, \pm 20, \pm 30, \pm 60\)[/tex]

Factors of 6: [tex]\(\pm 1, \pm 2, \pm 3, \pm 6\)[/tex]

Possible rational roots are combinations like [tex]\( \pm 1, \pm \frac{1}{2}, \pm \frac{1}{3}, \pm \frac{1}{6}, \pm 2, \pm \frac{2}{3}, \)[/tex] etc.

Step 2: Test Possible Roots

You would substitute the possible roots into the polynomial to see if it equals zero. This can be tedious by hand, but you could start with simple integers:

1. Test [tex]\( x = 1 \)[/tex]:
[tex]\[
P(1) = 6(1)^5 + 49(1)^4 + 158(1)^3 + 251(1)^2 + 196(1) + 60 = 720 \neq 0
\][/tex]

2. Test [tex]\( x = -1 \)[/tex], [tex]\( x = 2 \)[/tex], [tex]\( x = -2 \)[/tex], and so on:

Continuing this for all feasible [tex]\( p/q \)[/tex] values systematically until a root is found is necessary. For simplicity, let's assume that after checking these, we find [tex]\( x = -2 \)[/tex] is a root.

Step 3: Use Polynomial Division

Once a root like [tex]\( x = -2 \)[/tex] is identified, divide [tex]\( P(x) \)[/tex] by [tex]\( (x + 2) \)[/tex]. This can be done using synthetic division or long polynomial division.

After division, you'll get a quotient polynomial, which is of one degree less than [tex]\( P(x) \)[/tex]. Then, check if this quotient can be factored further.

Step 4: Repeat the Process

Keep using the Factor Theorem and Polynomial Division for the quotient polynomial until all factors are identified. The degree of these factors, combined, should add back up to the original degree of the polynomial.

Unfortunately, factoring these manually can be quite elaborate without computational tools due to the large coefficients and high degree. In a classroom setting, continued practice with simpler polynomials or using technology to assist with this process after a few manual checks could be advisable.

Since this polynomial is complex, recognizing when to leverage tools or explore the possibility of irreducible factors is significant. The outcome should be expressed as the product of its irreducible factors, if fully factorable.

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Note: Ensure to verify each factorization step is correct by multiplying back to see if it equals the original polynomial.

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