CAIE P2 2011 November — Question 6

Exam BoardCAIE
ModuleP2 (Pure Mathematics 2)
Year2011
SessionNovember
TopicPolynomial Division & Manipulation

6
  1. The polynomial \(x ^ { 4 } + a x ^ { 3 } - x ^ { 2 } + b x + 2\), where \(a\) and \(b\) are constants, is denoted by \(\mathrm { p } ( x )\). It is given that \(( x - 1 )\) and \(( x + 2 )\) are factors of \(\mathrm { p } ( x )\). Find the values of \(a\) and \(b\).
  2. When \(a\) and \(b\) have these values, find the quotient when \(\mathrm { p } ( x )\) is divided by \(x ^ { 2 } + x - 2\).