12 - The Factor Theorem, Part 1 (Factoring Polynomials in Algebra)

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In this lesson, we will learn how to factor polynomials using the factor theorem of algebra. The factor theorem says that if we know the roots of a polynomial, then we already know the factors of the same polynomial.

Also, if we know only some of the factors of the polynomial, we can use these to find the additional factors of the polynomial by doing long division or synthetic division. The higher order the polynomial, the more divisions we will need to accomplish to find all of the roots.

The factor theorem is used along with the remainder theorem in order to solve many problems involving polynomials in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.