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algebra senior

Problem

Let Which of the following polynomials is a factor of ?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
Solution
is equal to by difference of powers. Therefore, the answer is a polynomial that divides but not . Note that any polynomial divides if and only if is a factor of . The prime factorizations of and are and , respectively. Hence, is a divisor of but not . By difference of powers, . Therefore, the answer is .
Final answer
E