Question: Which of the following is a factor of the polynomial x^3 - 3x^2 - 4x + 12?

Options:

1. x - 2
2. x + 2
3. x - 3
4. x + 3

Correct Answer: x - 2

Solution:

Using synthetic division or the factor theorem, we can test x = 2. Substituting gives us 2^3 - 3(2^2) - 4(2) + 12 = 0, confirming that x - 2 is a factor.