SOLUTION: can you help me understand the rational zeros theorem in this problem use the rational zeros theorem to list all possible rational zeros of P(x)= 3x^3-5x^2+4x-2

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Question 77814: can you help me understand the rational zeros theorem in this problem
use the rational zeros theorem to list all possible rational zeros of
P(x)= 3x^3-5x^2+4x-2

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20055)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

can you help me understand the rational zeros theorem in this problem

use the rational zeros theorem to list all possible rational zeros of 
P(x)= 3x³ - 5x² + 4x - 2

When P(x) is in descending order, then:

The NUMERATOR of any rational zero must be a factor of the number
on the far RIGHT end, which is 2

The DENOMINATOR of any rational zero must be a factor of the number
on the far LEFT end, which is 3.

So the possible numerators are 1 and 2, because they are the only
positive integers that will divide evenly into 2.

The possible denominators are 1 and 3, because they are the only
positive integers that will divide evenly into 3.

So the possible fractions with numerator either 1 or 2 and 
denominator either 1 or 3 are

1/1, 1/3, 2/1, and 2/3.

However, these might be positive and they might be negative, 
so all the possible rational zeros are

±1/1, ±1/3, ±2/1, and ±2/3

Erasing the 1 denominators:

±1, ±1/3, ±2, and ±2/3

Edwin

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