NCERT Class 9 – Polynomials: 115-Challenge Pack

Curated original problems aligned with NCERT syllabus and difficulty inspired by
R.D. Sharma & R.S. Aggarwal. Includes 50 tough polynomial problems, 50
identities-only problems, and 15 very important exam-focused questions. Detailed
solutions follow after each section.

SECTION A – 50 Difficult Problems (Polynomials)

1. Factor completely: p(x) = -2x^3-14x^2+28x+240
2. Factor completely: p(x) = -2x^3-18x^2-52x-48
3. Factor completely: p(x) = -x^3+4x^2+25x-100
4. Factor completely: p(x) = x^3+8x^2-3x-90
5. Factor completely: p(x) = -x^3-6x^2+x+30
6. Factor completely: p(x) = -2x^3-14x^2+72
7. Factor completely: p(x) = 2x^3-22x^2+76x-80
8. Factor completely: p(x) = x^3-x^2-9x+9
9. Factor completely: p(x) = -2x^3-8x^2+72x+288
10. Factor completely: p(x) = x^3+7x^2+14x+8
11. Factor completely: p(x) = x^3-31x-30
12. Factor completely: p(x) = x^3+3x^2-13x-15
13. Factor completely: p(x) = -x^4+6x^3+31x^2-216x+180
14. Factor completely: p(x) = -x^4-x^3+24x^2+4x-80
15. Factor completely: p(x) = x^4-4x^3-14x^2+36x+45
16. Factor completely: p(x) = x^4-x^3-48x^2+36x+432
17. Factor completely: p(x) = -2x^4-18x^3-42x^2+2x+60
18. Find the value of k such that (x - 2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2-x+10.
19. Find the value of k such that (x - 2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+4x-4.
20. Find the value of k such that (x - 1) is a factor of p(x) = x^3+kx^2+4x-10.
21. Find the value of k such that (x - -3) is a factor of p(x) = x^k+3x^2+4x+12.
22. Find the value of k such that (x - -2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3+kx^2+5x+10.
23. Find the value of k such that (x - -1) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+x+6.
24. Find the value of k such that (x - 3) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+4x-21.
25. Find the value of k such that (x - 5) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+4x-70.
26. Find the value of k such that (x - 2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3+kx^2+6x-44.
27. Find the value of k such that (x - -4) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2-6x+88.
28. Find the value of k such that (x - 2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3-2x-4.
29. Find the value of k such that (x - -3) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+3x+63.
30. Find the value of k such that (x - 2) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2+4x-4.
31. Find the value of k such that (x - 4) is a factor of p(x) = x^3+4x-8k.
32. Find the value of k such that (x - 4) is a factor of p(x) = x^3kx^2-2x+8.
33. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 5, -4, -3.
34. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 2, 5, -2.
35. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 0, 3, -1.
36. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 2, -4, -3.
37. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 1, -5, 6.
38. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros -6, -5, -4.
39. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 4, -4, 6.
40. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 0, 3, 4.
41. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 0, 3, -5.
42. Construct the monic polynomial having zeros 1, 2, -2.
43. Divide x^3-4x^2-17x+60 by x-2 and find the quotient and remainder.
44. Divide x^4+7x^3+11x^2-7x-12 by x-5 and find the quotient and remainder.
45. Divide x^3+x^2-9x-9 by x+2 and find the quotient and remainder.
46. Divide x^4-10x^3+23x^2+34x-120 by x+1 and find the quotient and
remainder.
47. Divide x^4+x^3-29x^2-9x+180 by x-3 and find the quotient and remainder.
48. Divide x^4+12x^3+49x^2+78x+40 by x+3 and find the quotient and
remainder.
49. Divide x^3-2x^2-16x+32 by x+2 and find the quotient and remainder.
50. Divide x^3-4x^2-11x+30 by x+1 and find the quotient and remainder.
SECTION B – 50 Difficult Problems (Identities Only)
1. Expand using identities: (8x - 5y)^3.
2. Expand using identities: (2x + 3y + 4z)^2.
3. Expand using identities: (3x + 4y + 5z)^2.
4. Expand using identities: (3x - 5y)^3.
5. Expand using identities: (3x + 7y)^2.
6. Expand using identities: (5x + 5y)^2.
7. Expand using identities: (3x + 2y)^2.
8. Expand using identities: (3x + 2y)^2.
9. Expand using identities: (3x - 5y)^3.
10. Expand using identities: (9x - 5y)^3.
11. Expand using identities: (2x + 5y + 5z)^2.
12. Expand using identities: (5x - 9y)^3.
13. Expand using identities: (5x - 3y)^3.
14. Expand using identities: (8x + 7y)^2.
15. Expand using identities: (8x - 9y)^3.
16. Expand using identities: (1x + 1y + 1z)^2.
17. Expand using identities: (7x - 3y)^3.
18. Expand using identities: (5x + 5y)^2.
19. Expand using identities: (4x + 2y + 4z)^2.
20. Expand using identities: (6x + 9y)^2.
21. Factor: 27x^3 - 729y^3.
22. Factor: 8x^3 + 8y^3.
23. Factor: 125x^3 + 64y^3.
24. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 64a^3 + 64b^3 + 8c^3 - 3·32abc = 0.
25. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 1a^3 + 8b^3 + 64c^3 - 3·8abc = 0.
26. Factor: 512x^3 + 216y^3.
27. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 27a^3 + 64b^3 + 216c^3 - 3·72abc = 0.
28. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 8a^3 + 8b^3 + 27c^3 - 3·12abc = 0.
29. Factor: 8x^3 - 8y^3.
30. Factor: 4p^2 - 4q^2.
31. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 125a^3 + 125b^3 + 8c^3 - 3·50abc = 0.
32. Factor: 27x^3 + 64y^3.
33. Factor: 27x^3 + 125y^3.
34. Prove that if a + b + c = 0, then 1a^3 + 125b^3 + 8c^3 - 3·10abc = 0.
35. Factor: 27x^3 + 512y^3.
36. Evaluate without expansion: 999^3 - 3·999^2 + 3·999 - 1.
37. Evaluate without expansion: 1001^3 - 3·1001^2 + 3·1001 - 1.
38. Evaluate without expansion: 1001^3 - 3·1001^2 + 3·1001 - 1.
39. Evaluate without expansion: 1001^3 - 3·1001^2 + 3·1001 - 1.
40. Evaluate without expansion: 99^2 - 2·99 + 1.
41. Evaluate without expansion: 99^2 - 2·99 + 1.
42. Evaluate without expansion: 97^2 - 2·97 + 1.
43. Evaluate without expansion: 999^3 - 3·999^2 + 3·999 - 1.
44. Evaluate without expansion: 999^3 - 3·999^2 + 3·999 - 1.
45. Evaluate without expansion: 99^2 - 2·99 + 1.
46. Evaluate without expansion: 97^2 - 2·97 + 1.
47. Evaluate without expansion: 99^2 - 2·99 + 1.
48. Evaluate without expansion: 101^3 - 3·101^2 + 3·101 - 1.
49. Evaluate without expansion: 97^2 - 2·97 + 1.
50. Evaluate without expansion: 999^3 - 3·999^2 + 3·999 - 1.
SECTION C – 15 Very Important Questions (Exam-Focused)
1. Using the Remainder Theorem, find the remainder when 2x^3-3x^2+5x-7 is
divided by x - 2.
2. Verify whether x - 2 is a factor of x^3-4x^2-7x+10.
3. Find k if (x + 3) is a factor of x³ + 5x² + kx - 12.
4. Factor completely: x^3-3x^2-4x+12.
5. Construct a monic quadratic polynomial whose zeroes are 4 and −5.
6. Use Division Algorithm to divide x^3-5x+6 by x-1 and state quotient and
remainder.
7. Evaluate 99³ + 3·99² + 3·99 + 1 using identities.
8. Expand (x + 2y + 3z)² using the identity for (a+b+c)².
9. Show that x − 2 is a factor of x³ − 4x² − x + 4; hence factorise completely.
10. Find the remainder when x³ − 2x² + 4x − 7 is divided by x − 3.
11. If (x − 1), (x + 2) are factors of a monic cubic with constant term 6, find the
third factor.
12. Factor x³ + 8.
13. Factor by grouping: x³ − 5x² − 2x + 10.
14. Without expanding fully, evaluate (1001 − 999)².
15. If a + b + c = 0, show that a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc.
 DETAILED SOLUTIONS
Solutions to SECTION A – 50 Difficult Problems (Polynomials)
A1. Let p(x) = -2x^3-14x^2+28x+240.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -6. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -2,
-2, 40, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -6) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row -2, 8, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 4): new synthetic row -2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -2(x - -6)(x - -5)(x - 4).
A2. Let p(x) = -2x^3-18x^2-52x-48.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -4. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -2,
-10, -12, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -4) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row -2, -4, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -2): new synthetic row -2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -2(x - -4)(x - -3)(x - -2).
A3. Let p(x) = -x^3+4x^2+25x-100.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -5. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -1,
9, -20, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -5) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 4): new synthetic row -1, 5, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 5): new synthetic row -1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -1(x - -5)(x - 4)(x - 5).
A4. Let p(x) = x^3+8x^2-3x-90.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 3. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1,
11, 30, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 3) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -6): new synthetic row 1, 5, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - 3)(x - -6)(x - -5).
A5. Let p(x) = -x^3-6x^2+x+30.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 2. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -1,
-8, -15, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 2) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row -1, -3, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row -1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -1(x - 2)(x - -5)(x - -3).
A6. Let p(x) = -2x^3-14x^2+72.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -6. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -2,
-2, 12, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -6) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 2): new synthetic row -2, -6, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row -2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -2(x - -6)(x - 2)(x - -3).
A7. Let p(x) = 2x^3-22x^2+76x-80.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 2. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 2,
-18, 40, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 2) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 4): new synthetic row 2, -10, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 5): new synthetic row 2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 2(x - 2)(x - 4)(x - 5).
A8. Let p(x) = x^3-x^2-9x+9.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 1. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1, 0,
-9, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 1) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 3): new synthetic row 1, 3, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - 1)(x - 3)(x - -3).
A9. Let p(x) = -2x^3-8x^2+72x+288.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -6. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -2,
4, 48, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -6) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -4): new synthetic row -2, 12, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 6): new synthetic row -2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -2(x - -6)(x - -4)(x - 6).
A10. Let p(x) = x^3+7x^2+14x+8.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -4. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1,
3, 2, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -4) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -1): new synthetic row 1, 2, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -2): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - -4)(x - -1)(x - -2).
A11. Let p(x) = x^3-31x-30.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -5. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1,
-5, -6, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -5) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 6): new synthetic row 1, 1, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -1): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - -5)(x - 6)(x - -1).
A12. Let p(x) = x^3+3x^2-13x-15.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 3. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1, 6,
5, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 3) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row 1, 1, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -1): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - 3)(x - -5)(x - -1).
A13. Let p(x) = -x^4+6x^3+31x^2-216x+180.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 1. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -1,
5, 36, -180, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 1) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -6): new synthetic row -1, 11, -30, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 5): new synthetic row -1, 6, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 6): new synthetic row -1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -1(x - 1)(x - -6)(x - 5)(x - 6).
A14. Let p(x) = -x^4-x^3+24x^2+4x-80.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 2. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -1,
-3, 18, 40, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 2) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row -1, 2, 8, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 4): new synthetic row -1, -2, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -2): new synthetic row -1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -1(x - 2)(x - -5)(x - 4)(x - -2).
A15. Let p(x) = x^4-4x^3-14x^2+36x+45.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 5. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1, 1,
-9, -9, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 5) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 3): new synthetic row 1, 4, 3, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row 1, 1, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -1): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - 5)(x - 3)(x - -3)(x - -1).
A16. Let p(x) = x^4-x^3-48x^2+36x+432.
By Factor Theorem, test x = -6. Using synthetic division, the table entries are 1,
-7, -6, 72, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - -6) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - 4): new synthetic row 1, -3, -18, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row 1, -6, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - 6): new synthetic row 1, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = 1(x - -6)(x - 4)(x - -3)(x - 6).
A17. Let p(x) = -2x^4-18x^3-42x^2+2x+60.
By Factor Theorem, test x = 1. Using synthetic division, the table entries are -2,
-20, -62, -60, 0; remainder = 0 ⇒ (x - 1) is a factor.
Divide the quotient by (x - -5): new synthetic row -2, -10, -12, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -3): new synthetic row -2, -4, 0, remainder 0.
Divide the quotient by (x - -2): new synthetic row -2, 0, remainder 0.
Thus, p(x) = -2(x - 1)(x - -5)(x - -3)(x - -2).
A18. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + -1x + 10. If (x - 2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(2) = 0.
Compute: p(2) = (2)³ + k(2)² + -1(2) + 10 = 8 + k·4 + -2 + 10.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (16) = 0 ⇒ k = -16/4 = -4 = -4.
A19. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -4. If (x - 2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(2) = 0.
Compute: p(2) = (2)³ + k(2)² + 4(2) + -4 = 8 + k·4 + 8 + -4.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (12) = 0 ⇒ k = -12/4 = -3 = -3.
A20. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -10. If (x - 1) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(1) = 0.
Compute: p(1) = (1)³ + k(1)² + 4(1) + -10 = 1 + k·1 + 4 + -10.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·1 + (-5) = 0 ⇒ k = 5/1 = 5 = 5.
A21. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + 12. If (x - -3) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(-3) = 0.
Compute: p(-3) = (-3)³ + k(-3)² + 4(-3) + 12 = -27 + k·9 + -12 + 12.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·9 + (-27) = 0 ⇒ k = 27/9 = 3 = 3.
A22. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 5x + 10. If (x - -2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(-2) = 0.
Compute: p(-2) = (-2)³ + k(-2)² + 5(-2) + 10 = -8 + k·4 + -10 + 10.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (-8) = 0 ⇒ k = 8/4 = 2 = 2.
A23. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 1x + 6. If (x - -1) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(-1) = 0.
Compute: p(-1) = (-1)³ + k(-1)² + 1(-1) + 6 = -1 + k·1 + -1 + 6.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·1 + (4) = 0 ⇒ k = -4/1 = -4 = -4.
A24. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -21. If (x - 3) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(3) = 0.
Compute: p(3) = (3)³ + k(3)² + 4(3) + -21 = 27 + k·9 + 12 + -21.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·9 + (18) = 0 ⇒ k = -18/9 = -2 = -2.
A25. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -70. If (x - 5) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(5) = 0.
Compute: p(5) = (5)³ + k(5)² + 4(5) + -70 = 125 + k·25 + 20 + -70.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·25 + (75) = 0 ⇒ k = -75/25 = -3 = -3.
A26. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 6x + -44. If (x - 2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(2) = 0.
Compute: p(2) = (2)³ + k(2)² + 6(2) + -44 = 8 + k·4 + 12 + -44.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (-24) = 0 ⇒ k = 24/4 = 6 = 6.
A27. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + -6x + 88. If (x - -4) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(-4) = 0.
Compute: p(-4) = (-4)³ + k(-4)² + -6(-4) + 88 = -64 + k·16 + 24 + 88.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·16 + (48) = 0 ⇒ k = -48/16 = -3 = -3.
A28. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + -2x + -4. If (x - 2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(2) = 0.
Compute: p(2) = (2)³ + k(2)² + -2(2) + -4 = 8 + k·4 + -4 + -4.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (0) = 0 ⇒ k = 0/4 = 0 = 0.
A29. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 3x + 63. If (x - -3) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(-3) = 0.
Compute: p(-3) = (-3)³ + k(-3)² + 3(-3) + 63 = -27 + k·9 + -9 + 63.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·9 + (27) = 0 ⇒ k = -27/9 = -3 = -3.
A30. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -4. If (x - 2) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(2) = 0.
Compute: p(2) = (2)³ + k(2)² + 4(2) + -4 = 8 + k·4 + 8 + -4.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·4 + (12) = 0 ⇒ k = -12/4 = -3 = -3.
A31. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + 4x + -80. If (x - 4) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(4) = 0.
Compute: p(4) = (4)³ + k(4)² + 4(4) + -80 = 64 + k·16 + 16 + -80.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·16 + (0) = 0 ⇒ k = 0/16 = 0 = 0.
A32. Let p(x) = x³ + kx² + -2x + 8. If (x - 4) is a factor, then by the Factor
Theorem, p(4) = 0.
Compute: p(4) = (4)³ + k(4)² + -2(4) + 8 = 64 + k·16 + -8 + 8.
Set equal to 0 ⇒ k·16 + (64) = 0 ⇒ k = -64/16 = -4 = -4.
A33. Zeros are r₁=5, r₂=-4, r₃=-3. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 5)(x - -4)(x - -3).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3+2x^2-23x-60.
A34. Zeros are r₁=2, r₂=5, r₃=-2. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 2)(x - 5)(x - -2).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-5x^2-4x+20.
A35. Zeros are r₁=0, r₂=3, r₃=-1. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 0)(x - 3)(x - -1).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-2x^2-3x.
A36. Zeros are r₁=2, r₂=-4, r₃=-3. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 2)(x - -4)(x - -3).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3+5x^2-2x-24.
A37. Zeros are r₁=1, r₂=-5, r₃=6. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 1)(x - -5)(x - 6).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-2x^2-29x+30.
A38. Zeros are r₁=-6, r₂=-5, r₃=-4. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x)
= (x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - -6)(x - -5)(x - -4).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3+15x^2+74x+120.
A39. Zeros are r₁=4, r₂=-4, r₃=6. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 4)(x - -4)(x - 6).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-6x^2-16x+96.
A40. Zeros are r₁=0, r₂=3, r₃=4. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 0)(x - 3)(x - 4).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-7x^2+12x.
A41. Zeros are r₁=0, r₂=3, r₃=-5. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 0)(x - 3)(x - -5).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3+2x^2-15x.
A42. Zeros are r₁=1, r₂=2, r₃=-2. For a monic polynomial with these zeros: p(x) =
(x - r₁)(x - r₂)(x - r₃).
Thus, p(x) = (x - 1)(x - 2)(x - -2).
Expand to get: p(x) = x^3-x^2-4x+4.
A43. Use synthetic division with a = 2.
Row values: 1, -2, -21, 18.
Quotient = x^2-2x-21, Remainder = 18.
A44. Use synthetic division with a = 5.
Row values: 1, 12, 71, 348, 1728.
Quotient = x^3+12x^2+71x+348, Remainder = 1728.
A45. Use synthetic division with a = -2.
Row values: 1, -1, -7, 5.
Quotient = x^2-x-7, Remainder = 5.
A46. Use synthetic division with a = -1.
Row values: 1, -11, 34, 0, -120.
Quotient = x^3-11x^2+34x, Remainder = -120.
A47. Use synthetic division with a = 3.
Row values: 1, 4, -17, -60, 0.
Quotient = x^3+4x^2-17x-60, Remainder = 0.
A48. Use synthetic division with a = -3.
Row values: 1, 9, 22, 12, 4.
Quotient = x^3+9x^2+22x+12, Remainder = 4.
A49. Use synthetic division with a = -2.
Row values: 1, -4, -8, 48.
Quotient = x^2-4x-8, Remainder = 48.
A50. Use synthetic division with a = -1.
Row values: 1, -5, -6, 36.
Quotient = x^2-5x-6, Remainder = 36.
Solutions to SECTION B – 50 Difficult Problems (Identities Only)
B1. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=8x, q=5y.
⇒ 512x^3 - 3·64·40x^2y + 3·40·25xy^2 - 125y^3 = 512x^3 - 960x^2y +
600xy^2 - 125y^3.
B2. Use (p+q+r)^2 = p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr).
Here p=2x, q=3y, r=4z ⇒ 4x^2 + 9y^2 + 16z^2 + 2(6xy + 8xz + 12yz).
B3. Use (p+q+r)^2 = p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr).
Here p=3x, q=4y, r=5z ⇒ 9x^2 + 16y^2 + 25z^2 + 2(12xy + 15xz + 20yz).
B4. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=3x, q=5y.
⇒ 27x^3 - 3·9·15x^2y + 3·15·25xy^2 - 125y^3 = 27x^3 - 135x^2y + 225xy^2 -
125y^3.
B5. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=3x, q=7y.
⇒ (3x)^2 + 2·(3x)·(7y) + (7y)^2 = 9x^2 + 42xy + 49y^2.
B6. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=5x, q=5y.
⇒ (5x)^2 + 2·(5x)·(5y) + (5y)^2 = 25x^2 + 50xy + 25y^2.
B7. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=3x, q=2y.
⇒ (3x)^2 + 2·(3x)·(2y) + (2y)^2 = 9x^2 + 12xy + 4y^2.
B8. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=3x, q=2y.
⇒ (3x)^2 + 2·(3x)·(2y) + (2y)^2 = 9x^2 + 12xy + 4y^2.
B9. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=3x, q=5y.
⇒ 27x^3 - 3·9·15x^2y + 3·15·25xy^2 - 125y^3 = 27x^3 - 135x^2y + 225xy^2 -
125y^3.
B10. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=9x, q=5y.
⇒ 729x^3 - 3·81·45x^2y + 3·45·25xy^2 - 125y^3 = 729x^3 - 1215x^2y +
675xy^2 - 125y^3.
B11. Use (p+q+r)^2 = p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr).
Here p=2x, q=5y, r=5z ⇒ 4x^2 + 25y^2 + 25z^2 + 2(10xy + 10xz + 25yz).
B12. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=5x, q=9y.
⇒ 125x^3 - 3·25·45x^2y + 3·45·81xy^2 - 729y^3 = 125x^3 - 675x^2y +
1215xy^2 - 729y^3.
B13. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=5x, q=3y.
⇒ 125x^3 - 3·25·15x^2y + 3·15·9xy^2 - 27y^3 = 125x^3 - 225x^2y + 135xy^2 -
27y^3.
B14. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=8x, q=7y.
⇒ (8x)^2 + 2·(8x)·(7y) + (7y)^2 = 64x^2 + 112xy + 49y^2.
B15. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=8x, q=9y.
⇒ 512x^3 - 3·64·72x^2y + 3·72·81xy^2 - 729y^3 = 512x^3 - 1728x^2y +
1944xy^2 - 729y^3.
B16. Use (p+q+r)^2 = p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr).
Here p=1x, q=1y, r=1z ⇒ 1x^2 + 1y^2 + 1z^2 + 2(1xy + 1xz + 1yz).
B17. Use (p - q)^3 = p^3 - 3p^2q + 3pq^2 - q^3 with p=7x, q=3y.
⇒ 343x^3 - 3·49·21x^2y + 3·21·9xy^2 - 27y^3 = 343x^3 - 441x^2y + 189xy^2 -
27y^3.
B18. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=5x, q=5y.
⇒ (5x)^2 + 2·(5x)·(5y) + (5y)^2 = 25x^2 + 50xy + 25y^2.
B19. Use (p+q+r)^2 = p^2 + q^2 + r^2 + 2(pq + pr + qr).
Here p=4x, q=2y, r=4z ⇒ 16x^2 + 4y^2 + 16z^2 + 2(8xy + 16xz + 8yz).
B20. Use (p+q)^2 = p^2 + 2pq + q^2 with p=6x, q=9y.
⇒ (6x)^2 + 2·(6x)·(9y) + (9y)^2 = 36x^2 + 108xy + 81y^2.
B21. Use a^3 - b^3 = (a-b)(a^2 + ab + b^2) with a=3x, b=9y.
⇒ (3x - 9y)(9x^2 + 27xy + 81y^2).
B22. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=2x, b=2y.
⇒ (2x + 2y)(4x^2 - 4xy + 4y^2).
B23. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=5x, b=4y.
⇒ (5x + 4y)(25x^2 - 20xy + 16y^2).
B24. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B25. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B26. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=8x, b=6y.
⇒ (8x + 6y)(64x^2 - 48xy + 36y^2).
B27. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B28. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B29. Use a^3 - b^3 = (a-b)(a^2 + ab + b^2) with a=2x, b=2y.
⇒ (2x - 2y)(4x^2 + 4xy + 4y^2).
B30. Use a^2 - b^2 = (a-b)(a+b) with a=2p, b=2q.
⇒ (2p - 2q)(2p + 2q).
B31. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B32. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=3x, b=4y.
⇒ (3x + 4y)(9x^2 - 12xy + 16y^2).
B33. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=3x, b=5y.
⇒ (3x + 5y)(9x^2 - 15xy + 25y^2).
B34. Recall a^3 + b^3 + c^3 - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a^2 + b^2 + c^2 - ab - bc - ca).
Given a+b+c=0 ⇒ the expression becomes 0·(…) = 0.
B35. Use a^3 + b^3 = (a+b)(a^2 - ab + b^2) with a=3x, b=8y.
⇒ (3x + 8y)(9x^2 - 24xy + 64y^2).
B36. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=999. Thus the value is
(999 - 1)^3 = 994011992.
B37. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=1001. Thus the value is
(1001 - 1)^3 = 1000000000.
B38. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=1001. Thus the value is
(1001 - 1)^3 = 1000000000.
B39. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=1001. Thus the value is
(1001 - 1)^3 = 1000000000.
B40. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=99. Thus the value is (99-1)^2 =
9604.
B41. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=99. Thus the value is (99-1)^2 =
9604.
B42. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=97. Thus the value is (97-1)^2 =
9216.
B43. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=999. Thus the value is
(999 - 1)^3 = 994011992.
B44. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=999. Thus the value is
(999 - 1)^3 = 994011992.
B45. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=99. Thus the value is (99-1)^2 =
9604.
B46. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=97. Thus the value is (97-1)^2 =
9216.
B47. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=99. Thus the value is (99-1)^2 =
9604.
B48. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=101. Thus the value is
(101 - 1)^3 = 1000000.
B49. Recognize (x - 1)^2 = x^2 - 2x + 1 with x=97. Thus the value is (97-1)^2 =
9216.
B50. Recognize (x - 1)^3 = x^3 - 3x^2 + 3x - 1 with x=999. Thus the value is
(999 - 1)^3 = 994011992.
Solutions to SECTION C – 15 Very Important Questions
(Exam-Focused)
C1. Compute p(2) by Horner/synthetic division. Row: 2, 1, 7, 7 ⇒ Remainder = 7.
C2. Evaluate p(2) using synthetic division: row 1, -2, -11, -12 ⇒ remainder -12.
Since remainder ≠ 0, x - 2 is not a factor.
C3. Set p(-3)=0 ⇒ (-3)³ + 5(-3)² + k(-3) - 12 = 0 ⇒ -27 + 45 - 3k - 12 = 0 ⇒ 6 - 3k =
0 ⇒ k = 2.
C4. Try integer roots ±1,±2,±3,±4,±6. Found x=1 is a root ⇒ divide to get
quotient x² - 2x - 12. Factor the quadratic: (x - 4)(x + 3). Thus p(x) = (x - 1)(x - 4)(x
+ 3).
C5. For zeros α=4, β=−5: p(x) = (x − 4)(x + 5) = x² + x − 20.
C6. Perform polynomial long division (or synthetic with a=1). Quotient =
x^3+x-4, Remainder = 2.
C7. Recognize (x+1)³ = x³ + 3x² + 3x + 1 with x=99 ⇒ value = 100³ = 1000000.
C8. Use (a+b+c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2(ab + bc + ca) ⇒ x² + 4y² + 9z² + 2(2xy + 3xz
+ 6yz) = x² + 4y² + 9z² + 4xy + 6xz + 12yz.
C9. Evaluate at x=2: 8 − 16 − 2 + 4 = 0 ⇒ (x − 2) is a factor. Divide to get x² − 2x
− 2. Solve x² − 2x − 2 = 0 (not factorable over integers). Factors: (x − 2)(x² − 2x
− 2).
C10. Use Remainder Theorem: R = p(3) = 27 − 18 + 12 − 7 = 14.
C11. Let p(x) = (x − 1)(x + 2)(x − r). Constant term = (−1)(2)(−r) = 2r = 6 ⇒ r =
3. Third factor: (x − 3).
C12. a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² − ab + b²) with a=x, b=2 ⇒ (x + 2)(x² − 2x + 4).
C13. Group (x³ − 5x²) + (−2x + 10) = x²(x − 5) − 2(x − 5) = (x − 5)(x² − 2).
C14. (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b² ⇒ (1001 − 999)² = 2² = 4.
C15. Use identity a³ + b³ + c³ − 3abc = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² − ab − bc − ca).
If a + b + c = 0 ⇒ LHS = 0 ⇒ a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc.