Question 656143
<pre>
f(x) = 2x³ - 5x² + 3x - 1

If there are any rational zeros, then when it is reduced to lowest terms,
its numerator must be a factor of the absolute value of the last term, and
the denominator must be a factor of the absolute value of the leading coefficient.

Absolute value of last term = |-1| = 1 which has 1 as its only factor.
Absolute value of leading coefficient = |2| = 1 which has factors 1 and 2.

Possible numerator for rational zeros in lowest terms:  ±1
Possible denominators for rational zeros in lowest terms: ±1, ±2 

Possible rational zeros: ±1, {{{"" +- 1/2}}}

As it turns out, none of those are zeros.

Edwin</pre>