Problema Solution

If the polynomial is not already in factored form, factor it completely. What are the x-intercepts of the polynomial?

f(x) = 2x3 - x2 - 6x + 3

Answer provided by our tutors

2x^3 - x2 - 6x + 3 = x^2(2x - x) - 3(2x - 1) = (2x - 1)(x^2 - 3) = (2x - 1)(x - √3)(x + √3)


the factored form of the polynomial is:


f(x) = (2x - 1)(x - √3)(x + √3)


the x-intercepts of the polynomial happens for the values for x such that f(x) = 0:


f(x) = 0 that is (2x - 1)(x - √3)(x + √3) = 0 if


2x - 1 = 0


x = 1/2


or


x - √3 = 0


x = √3


or


x + √3 = 0


x = - √3


the x-intercepts of the polynomial are: (1/2, 0), (√3, 0) and (-√3, 0).