Patrick B. answered 12/17/20
Math and computer tutor/teacher
Rational Root theorem says:
P = +or- { 1,2,19,38}
Q = +or-{1}
so P/Q = P
x=1 is a solution since f(1) = 1+2+18+36-19-38 = 57-57 = 0
x=-1 is a solution since f(-1) = -1 + 2 - 18 + 36 + 19 - 38
= 1-18+36+19-38
= -17 + 36 + 19-38
= 19+19-39
= 0
x=2 is a solution since f(-2) = -32 + 32 - 144 + 144 + 38-38
= 0
Synthetic division:
1 | 1 2 18 36 -19 -38
1 3 21 57 38
______________________________________
1 3 21 57 38 0
-1 | 1 3 21 57 38
-1 -2 -19 -38
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1 2 19 38 0
x^3 + 2x^2 + 19x + 38 =
x^2(x+2) + 19(x+2) =
(x+2) (x^2 + 19) =
the solution set is x = { 1, -1, -2, i*sqrt(19), -i*sqrt(19) }