Question

Ok so this is so confusing The volume of water in a rectangular swimming pool can be modeled by the polynomial 2x3 − 9x2 + 7x + 6. If the depth of the pool is given by the polynomial 2x + 1, what polynomials express the length and width of the pool? Why couldn't they just give me the volume?

Answer 1

Can you factor the polynomial? I bet one of the factors will be 2x+1. What are the other two?

Answer 2

they did give you the volume

Answer 3

lol @petewe

Answer 4

If I was to graph it into a calculator would it show the numbers as roots touching the x axis at 0?

Answer 5

divide 2x3 − 9x2 + 7x + 6 by 2x + 1 and you'll be given a quadratic. factor it to find the other 2 dimensions

Answer 6

bingo x-3, x-2

Answer 7

you're allowed to use graphing calculators on tests?

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

thanks you guys

Answer 10

not sure if srs

Answer 11

Why bother learning how to do it when there's OpenStudy and the TI-83, hey @petewe?

Answer 12

are you american?

Answer 13

Me?

Answer 14

no, KG777

Answer 15

it just amazes me how lenient the american education system is sometimes

Answer 16

I'm in Canada, and it doesn't seem to be much better here. I took grade 12 math and calculus years ago now, but even then there were graphing calculators. I'm pretty sure they were allowed to be used on the finals. I was the only kid in the class without one (couldn't afford it), but I did the best in my class on the final.

Knowing the fundamentals of how to do things is so important, and you're right—it seems it is being lost.