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JAMB Mathematics 1980 Question 20

Question 20

Algebraic Expressions

What factor is common to all the expressions x2 − x, 2x2 + x − 1 and x2 − 1?

  1. A.x
  2. B.x − 1
  3. C.x + 1
  4. D.No common factor
  5. E.(2x − 1).
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (No common factor)

Explanation

x² − x = x(x − 1), 2x² + x − 1 = (2x − 1)(x + 1) and x² − 1 = (x + 1)(x − 1). No single factor appears in all three.