1. **Problem statement:** Show that $x+2$ is a factor of the polynomial $p(x)$. 2. **Key concept:** A polynomial $p(x)$ has a factor $x - a$ if and only if $p(a) = 0$. This is known as the Factor Theorem. 3. Since the factor given is $x + 2$, rewrite it as $x - (-2)$. So, we need to check if $p(-2) = 0$. 4. **Evaluate $p(-2)$:** Substitute $x = -2$ into the polynomial $p(x)$. 5. If $p(-2) = 0$, then by the Factor Theorem, $x + 2$ is a factor of $p(x)$. 6. If $p(-2) \neq 0$, then $x + 2$ is not a factor. **Note:** Since the polynomial $p(x)$ is not provided, the general method is to evaluate $p(-2)$ and check if it equals zero.