College Algebra (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321979478
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-947-6

Chapter 5 - Section 5.5 - The Real Zeros of a Polynomial Function - 5.5 Assess Your Understanding - Page 388: 65

Answer

$x\displaystyle \in\left\{-\frac{1}{3}\right\}$

Work Step by Step

Multiply the equation with 3 (to get rid of fractions) $3x^{3}-2x^{2}+8x+3=0$ We try to find rational zeros of $f(x)=3x^{3}-2x^{2}+8x+3$ Possible rational roots: $\displaystyle \frac{p}{q}=\frac{\pm 1,\pm 3}{\pm 1,\pm 3}$ Testing with synthetic division, ... we eventually try $x+\displaystyle \frac{1}{3}$ $\left.\begin{array}{l} -1/3 \ \ |\\ \\ \\ \end{array}\right.\begin{array}{rrrrrr} 3 & -2 & 8 &3 \\\hline & -1 & 1 & -3 \\\hline 3& -3 &9 & |\ \ 0 \end{array}$ $f(x)=(x+\displaystyle \frac{1}{3})(3x^{2}-3x+9)=(x+\frac{1}{3})\cdot 3(x^{2}-x+3)$ $=(3x+1)(x^{2}-x+3)$ The discriminant, $b^{2}-4ac=1-4(3)=-11$ of the equation $x^{2}-x+3=0$ is negative, so the equation has no real solutions. No further factoring, $f(x)=(3x+1)(x^{2}-x+3)=0$ when $x\displaystyle \in\left\{-\frac{1}{3}\right\}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.