SOLUTION: I'm trying to find all real zeros of the following polynomial: P(x) = 3x^3-5x^2-8x-2. I'm having trouble with the decimal numbers. Thank You very much!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: I'm trying to find all real zeros of the following polynomial: P(x) = 3x^3-5x^2-8x-2. I'm having trouble with the decimal numbers. Thank You very much!      Log On


   

Question 33784This question is from textbook College Algebra
: I'm trying to find all real zeros of the following polynomial:
P(x) = 3x^3-5x^2-8x-2. I'm having trouble with the decimal numbers.
Thank You very much! This question is from textbook College Algebra

Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
It is difficult to know what to tell you. It depends
on what tools you have available.
If you have a graphing calculator, use it to find
a zero of the polynomial. I find x=(-1/3).
Then using long division by (3x+1) or using synthetic
division you find the quotient is x^2-2x-2.
Use the quadratic formula on that to find x=1+sqrt3 or
x=1-sqrt 3. You now have three zeroes.
Cheers,
Stan H.