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5.4-factoring_and_solving_polynomial_equations

The document explains how to solve polynomial equations by factoring and using the quadratic formula. It provides examples of solving cubic and quartic equations, as well as factoring by grouping. The roots of the equations are determined through setting factors to zero and solving for x.

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John Dy
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3 views

5.4-factoring_and_solving_polynomial_equations

The document explains how to solve polynomial equations by factoring and using the quadratic formula. It provides examples of solving cubic and quartic equations, as well as factoring by grouping. The roots of the equations are determined through setting factors to zero and solving for x.

Uploaded by

John Dy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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6.

4 Factoring and Solving


Polynomial Equations
Solving Polynomial Equations
The expressions on the previous slide are
now equations:

y = x3 – 2x2 and y = x4 – x3 – 3x2 +3x

To solve these equations, we will be solving


for x when y = 0.
Solve
Let y = 0
y = x3 – 2x2 Common factor
0 = x3 – 2x2 Separate the factors and set
0 = x2(x – 2) them equal to zero.
Solve for x
x2 = 0 or x – 2 = 0
x=0 x=2

Therefore, the roots are 0 and 2.


Solve
y = x4 – x3 – 3x2 + 3x Let y = 0
0 = x4 – x3 – 3x2 + 3x Common factor
0 = x(x3 – x2 – 3x + 3) Group
0 =x[x2(x – 1) – 3(x – 1)]
0 = x(x – 1)(x2 – 3) Separate the factors and set
them equal to zero.
x = 0 or x – 1 = 0 or x2 – 3 = 0 Solve for x
x=0 x=1 x = 3

Therefore, the roots are 0, 1


and ±1.73
The Quadratic Formula

 b  b 2  4ac
x where a 0
2a

For equations in quadratic form: ax2 + bx + c = 0, we can use


the quadratic formula to solve for the roots of the equation.

This equation is normally used when factoring is not an


option.
Using the Quadratic Formula
Solve the following cubic equation:
y = x3 + 5x2 – 9x Can this equation be to solve for x
We still need
factored?here. Can this equation be
0 = x(x
YES 2
it can+–5x – 9) factored?
common
x = 0 factor.x2 + 5x – 9 = 0
No. however,
We can, There are no two
use the quadratic formula.
integers that will multiply
a = 1to -9 and add
(  5) to
 5.
(  5)2  4(1)(  9) Remember, the
x
(2)(1) root 0 came from
b=5 an earlier step.
5  61
x
c = -9 2 Therefore, the roots are 0, 6.41 and -
x 6.41,  1.41 1.41.
Factor by Grouping
Some four term polynomials can be factor by grouping.

Example. Factor 3x3 + 7x2 +12x + 28


Step 1 Pair the terms.
(3 x 3  7 x 2 )  (12 x  28)
Step 2 Factor out common factor from each pair.
x 2 (3 x  7)  4(3 x  7)

Identical factors
Step 3 Factor out common factor from each term.

(3 x  7)( x 2  4)
Example
Factor 3x3 + 7x2 -12x - 28

Step 1 (3 x 3  7 x 2 )  ( 12 x  28)
Note: Subtraction is
the same as adding a
negative
Step 2 x 2 (3 x  7)  ( 4)(3 x  7)
Step 3 (3x  7)( x 2  4)
Note: This factor can
(3x  7)( x  2)( x  2) be further factored
Solving Polynomial Equations
Solve x 3  2 x 2  9 x 18

Set equation equal to zero.


x 3  2 x 2  9 x  18 0
Factor.
( x 3  2 x 2 )  (  9 x  18) 0
x 2 ( x  2)  (  9)( x  2) 0
( x 2  9)( x  2) 0
( x  3)( x  3)( x  2) 0
Set each factor equal to zero and solve.
( x  3) 0 ( x  3) 0 ( x  2) 0
x  3 x 3 x  2

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