College Algebra 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305115546
ISBN 13: 978-1-30511-554-5

Chapter 3, Polynomial and Rational Functions - Section 3.3 - Dividing Polynomials - 3.3 Exercises - Page 310: 61

Answer

$x=\frac{5\pm \sqrt {37}}{6}$

Work Step by Step

The factor theorem says that if $f(c)=0$, then $(x-c)$ is a factor of $f(x)$, and if $(x-c)$ is a factor of $f(x)$, then $f(c)=0$. We check $x=3$: $f(3)=3(3)^4-8(3)^3-14(3)^2+31(3)+6=0$ and We check $x=-2$: $f(-2)=3(-2)^4-8(-2)^3-14(-2)^2+31(-2)+6=0$ thus, it is indeed a zero. Then, we can write: $f(x)=(x+2)(x-3)(3x^2-5x-1)$, solving for the trinomial using quadratic formula for the quadratic equation $ax^2+bx+c$, $x=\frac{-b\pm \sqrt {b^2-4ac}}{2a}$. for our trinomial, $3x^2-5x-1$, $x=\frac{5\pm \sqrt {(-5)^2-4\times3 \times (-1)}}{2\times 3}= \frac{5\pm \sqrt {37}}{6}$ Thus the other zeros are: $x=\frac{5\pm \sqrt {37}}{6}$
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.