Question

$$(x - 2)$$ and $$(x + 2)$$ are the factors of $$x^3 + x^2 - 4x - 4$$. The third factor of the given polynomial is ______.

Options

• $$(x - 1)$$

• $$(x - 4)$$

• $$(x + 1)$$

• $$(x + 4)$$

Answer 1

(x + 1)

Explanation:

$$x^3 + x^2 - 4x - 4 = (x + 1)(x^2 - 4) = (x + 1)(x - 2)(x + 2)$$.