List the possible factors for: h(x)= 4x^4-5x^3+2x^2-x+5.

Homework problem, I'm stuck. Can someone show me how to do this and how they got the answer? Thank you.

Question

List the possible factors for: h(x)= 4x^4-5x^3+2x^2-x+5. 

Homework problem, I'm stuck. Can someone show me how to do this and how they got the answer? Thank you.

solomonzelman · Answer

you would have t find the roots, do you know how to do that?

anonymous · Answer

no that's where I get all confused -_-

anonymous · Answer

I'm pretty sure you need a calculator here .-. I can't find a way to algebraically solve this. If you have a graphing calculator, put this equation in and graph it. The factors, or roots, are where the graph crosses the x-axis.

anonymous · Answer

I think it has complex solutions, but since they asked you for factors just factorize the x over and over I think.

directrix · Answer

Use the Rational Root (Zero) Theorem as shown here: http://www.classzone.com/eservices/home/pdf/student/LA206FAD.pdf

anonymous · Answer

first find only one factor for x so that there is no remainder in the equation (i.e. x value gives an answer of zero in the equation).
then use synthetic division...

anonymous · Answer

Refer to the attached plot and solution.  The expression cannot be factored.  There are no real roots.

directrix · Answer

The OP's question is: List the **possible factors** for h(x).

The question did not ask for the actual factors.

To get those "possible" factors, use this: the Rational Root (Zero) Theorem.