IGCSE · Additional Mathematics 0606 · Algebra

Factors of polynomials: IGCSE Additional Mathematics questions with answers

Free Factors of polynomials questions for IGCSE Additional Mathematics (0606), part of Algebra. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Factors of polynomials practice questions

Question 1Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

The cubic equation x3 − 7x − 6 = 0 has a root x = −2.

Find the other two roots.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
−1, 3
divide by (x + 2) M1
quadratic factor A1
−1, 3 A1
3
Question 2Structured · 2 marks

p(x) = 2x3 + x2 + 4x + 5

Find the remainder when p(x) is divided by (x − 3).

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
80
p(3) M1
80 A1
2
Question 3Structured · 7 marks

p(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx − 16
It is given that x − 2 is a factor of p(x) and that when p(x) is divided by x + 1 the remainder is −9.

(a)

Find the values of a and b.

[4]
(b)

Factorise p(x) completely.

[2]
(c)

Hence solve p(x) = 0.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)a = 4, b = −4
p(2) = 0 used M1
p(−1) = −9 used M1
Solve simultaneously M1
a = 4, b = −4 A1
4
(b)(x − 2)(x + 2)(x + 4)
Quadratic factor found M1
Complete factorisation A1
2
(c)2, −2, −4
2, −2, −4 B1
1
Question 4Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

The cubic equation x3 + 3x2 − x − 3 = 0 has a root x = −1.

Find the other two roots.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
−3, 1
divide by (x + 1) M1
quadratic factor A1
−3, 1 A1
3
Question 5Structured · 2 marks

p(x) = 2x3 + x2 + x + 2

Find the remainder when p(x) is divided by (x + 1).

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
0
p(−1) M1
0 A1
2
Question 6Structured · 7 marks

p(x) = x3 + ax2 + bx + 12
It is given that x − 4 is a factor of p(x) and that when p(x) is divided by x + 2 the remainder is 18.

(a)

Find the values of a and b.

[4]
(b)

Factorise p(x) completely.

[2]
(c)

Hence solve p(x) = 0.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)a = −2, b = −11
p(4) = 0 used M1
p(−2) = 18 used M1
Solve simultaneously M1
a = −2, b = −11 A1
4
(b)(x − 4)(x + 3)(x − 1)
Quadratic factor found M1
Complete factorisation A1
2
(c)4, −3, 1
4, −3, 1 B1
1

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in