SOLUTION: find the complex zeros of the polynomial fucntion. write f in factored form f(x)=x^3+125

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Question 645903: find the complex zeros of the polynomial fucntion. write f in factored form
f(x)=x^3+125
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


Use the sum and difference of cubes factorization:





The factor gives you the one real zero, then



is easily solved with the quadratic formula to get the conjugate pair of complex zeros.

Bonus: Here's a mnemonic to remember the signs in the factors of the sum and difference of cubes factorization. San Diego Padres :: Same Different Plus. The sign in the linear binomial factor matches the sum or difference of cubes binomial. The first sign in the quadratic factor is the opposite (different) of the sign in the original binomial, and the second sign in the quadratic is always positive.

John

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