Using complete sentences, explain how to find the zeros of the function f(x) = 2x^3 – 9x + 3.

I don't understand, please help me

Question

Using complete sentences, explain how to find the zeros of the function f(x) = 2x^3 – 9x + 3.

I don't understand, please help me

anonymous · Answer

Is it x^3? Or, x^2?

anonymous · Answer

its 2x^3

anonymous · Answer

ok....to find the zeroes you need to find the roots of the equation when f(x) = 0.
So, set 2x^3 - 9x + 3 = 0.

It is not obvious to me what the factors are in this case.

anonymous · Answer

ok now what?

anonymous · Answer

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=2x%5E3+-+9x+%2B+3+%3D+0

anonymous · Answer

what does this mean? what am i looking for?

anonymous · Answer

The three x values shown below are the "zeroes". Meaning the value of the function is zero for those values of x.

anonymous · Answer

the zeroes of a function are where the y value is zero hence you set the function equal to zero. 0 = 2x^3 - 9x + 3. This function will not factor nicely so I would probably use a graphing calculator to find the zeroes.

anonymous · Answer

oh so to find the zeros mean the x-intercepts?

anonymous · Answer

Yes. :)

anonymous · Answer

yeeep

anonymous · Answer

ok so am i allowed to use the graphing technology, or is there a way to do it without it?

anonymous · Answer

hmmmm.......factoring that function is nearly impossible (at least for me). So....

anonymous · Answer

ok thank you so much guys