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Algebra 2 help!!!!!!!?

Use the rational theorem to list all the possible rational roots for each polynomial equation. then find the actual roots.

1.) x^3 - x^2 + 2x - 2 = 0

2.) x^3 + 2x^2 - 8x -16 = 0

find the roots of the polynomial equation

3.) 2x^4 - 5x^3 - 17x^2 + 41x - 21 = 0

10 points will be rewarded

thanks

1 Answer

Relevance
  • Bieber
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    1) You don't need the theorem, just factor:

    x^2(x - 1) + 2(x - 1) = 0

    (x^2 + 2)(x - 1) = 0

    x = 1, +/- i*sqrt(2)

    2) Again, factorable:

    x^2(x + 2) - 8(x + 2) = 0

    (x^2 - 8)(x + 2) = 0

    x = -2, +/- 2sqrt(2)

    3. Here, we'll have to use the theorem:

    +/- (21/2, 21, 7/2, 7, 3/2, 3, 1)

    Let's see which of those work.

    After plugging them in, I found 1 to be a solution, so divide out the factor (x - 1):

    (2x^3 - 3x^2 - 20x + 21)(x - 1) = 0

    Same possible solutions as the one before, so let's plug in all of them.

    Turns out 7/2 is a solution, so let's divide (x - 7/2) from it:

    (x - 7/2)(2x^2 + 4x - 6)(x - 1) = 0

    Now let's use the quadratic equation:

    (-4 +/- sqrt(16 + 48))/4 = x

    x = -3, 1

    So our solutions are:

    x = -3, 1, and 7/2 (1 is a double root)

    Have a great day! :-)

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