Find Rational Zeros

Discussion in 'Other Pre-University Math' started by nycmathguy, Sep 17, 2021.

  1. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Find (if possible) the rational zeros of

    f(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 + 6x − 4

    The leading coefficient is 1, so the possible rational zeros are the factors of the constant term.

    Possible rational zeros: -1, 1, -2, 2, -4, 4

    f(-1) = (-1)^3 + 2(-1)^2 + 6(-1) - 4

    f(-1) = -1 + 2 - 6 - 4

    f(-1) = -9

    f(1) = (1)^3 + 2(1)^2 + 6(1) - 4

    f(1) = 1 + 2 + 6 - 4

    f(1) = 9 - 4

    f(1) = 5

    f(-2) = (-2)^3 + 2(-2)^2 + 6(-2) - 4

    f(-2) = -8 + 8 - 12 - 4

    f(-2) = -12 - 4

    f(-2) = -16

    f(2) = (2)^3 + 2(2)^2 + 6(2) - 4

    f(2) = 8 + 8 + 12 - 4

    f(2) = 28 - 4

    f(2) = -4

    f(-4) = (-4)^3 + 2(-4)^2 + 6(-4) - 4

    f(-4) = -64 + 32 - 24 - 4

    f(-4) = - 60

    f(4) = (4)^3 + 2(4)^2 + 6(4) - 4

    f(4) = 64 + 32 + 24 - 20

    f(4) = 100

    So, the given polynomial has no rational zeros.
     
    nycmathguy, Sep 17, 2021
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  2. nycmathguy

    MathLover1

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    perfect
     
    MathLover1, Sep 17, 2021
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  3. nycmathguy

    nycmathguy

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    Thank you. More later. Busy right now.
     
    nycmathguy, Sep 17, 2021
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