The cubic polynomial 12x3+ax2−3x−k12x^3+ax^2-3x-k12x3+ax2−3x−k is denoted by f(x)f(x)f(x). It is given that (2x+1)(2x+1)(2x+1) is a factor of f(x)f(x)f(x).
Use the factor theorem to find a a\,a in terms of kkk.
Using this value of aaa, factorise f(x)f(x)f(x) completely.
257 exam-style questions on Edexcel A Level Maths Algebraic Methods, covering 7.1 Algebraic Fractions, 7.2 Dividing Polynomials, 7.3 The Factor Theorem, 7.4 Mathematical Proof, and 7.5 Methods of Proof. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.