how do i factor 2x^3 -9x^2 +2x+3?

Question

help please. i tried using the p/q method, but when i graphed it the roots were all fractions.

Answer 1

Hey Elizabeth -- if 2x^3 -9x^2 -2x +3, then 1/2 is a root ... divide by 2x-1 to get quadratic :)

Answer 2

Are you sure your coefficients are correct?

 

This polynomial does not factor in an obvious way. The exact solution requires use of the so-called cubic formula, which involves complex numbers. The three roots are irrational numbers and can be approximated numerically. You get

x₁≈-0.458, x₂≈0.784, x₃≈4.174