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).