document.write( "Question 269712: a is real. 1+a+a2+a3=40 what is a? \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #197630 by vleith(2983)\"\" \"About 
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You can get all wrapped up in the math on this one. But given the info provided, trial and error is a good way to go.
\n" ); document.write( "Try setting a=1 and seeing if it works
\n" ); document.write( "Try a=2
\n" ); document.write( "then a=3
\n" ); document.write( "Basically, get in the ball park and take it from there\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Look at this for other variants and a plot
\n" ); document.write( "http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=1%2Ba%2Ba^2%2Ba^3%3D40
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