I'm stuck

[rachael724]

Find b so that x - 1 is a factor of x^5 + x^4 + x^3 + x^2 + x + b

a. -3
b. -4 Is this correct?
c. -5
d. -6
e. none of these

 

[ting]

Use the factor theorem.

If (x -1) is a factor then f(+1) =0

Substitute, x, with 1 in the equation below and solve for b


x^5 + x^4 + x^3 + x^2 + x + b = 0

1+1+1+1+1+b = 0

5 + b =0

b = -5