Advanced Math practice question

Answer: -2

By the remainder theorem, the remainder is the value of the polynomial at x = 1: 1 + 2 − 5 = −2.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 2

2 has the wrong sign: 1 + 2 − 5 = −2.

If you answered -4

−4 comes from evaluating at x = −1 (−1 + 2 − 5); the divisor x − 1 calls for x = 1.

If you answered -5

−5 is the constant term, which is the remainder on division by x, not by x − 1.

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