Solve the equation 2x^3 - 5x^2 - 4x + 3 = 0.

In order to answer this question, the expression on the left side of the equation needs to be factorised. This can be done in three stages. 1) finding a factor by subbing in common integers (0, +/- 1, +/-2, +/-3) until the equation outputs a 0. 2) polynomial division by using the 'bus stop' method. 3) fully factorise all of the factors of the expression. Once that's completed and the equation has been factorised, the x intercepts can be identified.
Step 1: input integers until x = -1 outputs 0. (Revealing that (x+1) is a factor of the expression.)Step 2: use the 'bus stop' method to get (x+1)(2x^2 - 7x + 3) = 0.Step 3: factorise the polynomial factor to get (2x-1)(x+1)(x-3) = 0.Then identify that x = 1/2, x =-1, and x=3.

Answered by Maths tutor

5008 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the equation of the curve that has gradient dy/dx=(4x-5) and passes through the point (3,7)?


Sketch the graph of f(x) = sin(x). On the same set of axes, draw the graph of f(x)+2, f(2x) and f(-x). By observing your graphs of f(x) and f(x), if f(a)=1, what is the value of f(-a)?


Find the gradient of a curve whose parametric equations are x=t^2/2+1 and y=t/4-1 when t=2


a circle c has the equation x^2 + y^2 -4x + 10y = k. find the center of te circle


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences