SOLUTION: how do you work x3+8x2-16x by solving polynomials

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Question 571777: how do you work x3+8x2-16x by solving polynomials
Found 2 solutions by stanbon, solver91311:
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
work x^3+8x^2-16x
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= x(x^2 + 8x -16)
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Cheers,
Stan H.
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Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!


I presume you mean that you want to factor the polynomial. You can't "solve" a polynomial; in fact you can't solve anything that doesn't set two quantities equal or show an inequality relationship between them.



There is at least one factor of in each term, so factor out an



Since you won't be able to find two integers such that their product is -16 and their sum is 8, you cannot factor this over the rational numbers any further. However, you can use the quadratic formula to find the conjugate pair of irrational roots of the analogous quadratic equation from which you can then derive the two irrational factors. Write back if that is what you need to do.

John

My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
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