If f(c) = 0 then x - c is a factor of the polynomial function f(x).
ex.
Is (x + 5) a factor of x3+ 7x2+ 7x- 15.
evaluate f(x) = x3+ 7x2+ 7x- 15 at f(-5).
f(-5) = (-5)3+ 7(-5)2+ 7(-5) - 15
= -125 + 175 - 35 -15
= 0
(x + 5) is a factor of x3+ 7x2+ 7x -15.
the remainder is 0, thus (x + 5) is a factor of x3+ 7x3+ 7x -15.