What are the rational roots of
What information can you get from the equation?
The equation gives you the leading coefficient and the constant term.
The only possible rational roots have the form
The constant factors are
The table shows the values of the function
x | 1 |
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P(x) | 8 | 0 | 240 |
|
6 |
|
35 |
|
The only rational root of
Once you find one root, use synthetic division to factor the polynomial. Continue finding roots and dividing until you have a second-degree polynomial. Use the Quadratic Formula to find the remaining roots.
What are the rational roots of
Know | Need | Plan |
---|---|---|
Coefficients and the constant term of the polynomial | The roots of the polynomial equation |
|
Step 3 Test each possible rational root in
Step 4 Factor the polynomial by using synthetic division:
The rational roots of