If x – 1 is a factor of a polynomial f(x), what other conditions must be satisfied regarding the values of f(0) and f(1)?

When we say that x – 1 is a factor of the polynomial f(x), it implies that f(1) = 0. This is a direct consequence of the Factor Theorem, which states that if x – c is a factor of f(x), then f(c) = 0.

Thus, if x – 1 is a factor, we can immediately conclude:

  • f(1) = 0 – Since x = 1 is a root of the polynomial.

However, regarding the specific condition of f(0), it does not necessarily correlate with the factor x – 1. The value of f(0) could be any real number and is independent of whether x – 1 is a factor or not. The same holds true for f(-1).

In conclusion, the key point to remember if x – 1 is a factor of the polynomial f(x) is that f(1) = 0. The values of f(0) and f(-1) do not provide any necessary conditions related to this factor.

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