Question

Approximate the real zeros of f(x)=x^2+3x+2

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question, Shawn. What methods has your instructor mentioned in class or online in regard to estimating the real zeros of a polynomial when those zeros are not nice integers? On second glance, I don't see any need to approximate the zeros here, since x^2 + 3x + 2 is easily factorable.

Answer 2

I am doing an online class and it is the opening test so I haven't been given any instructions

Answer 3

Oh, shoot. I'm old school, and learned just about everything from reading books; I love to read. Shawn, please try to factor x^2 + 3x + 2, and if you find the 2 factors, set their product equal to zero, like this : ( )( )=0; then solve for x and you'll have your zeros.

Answer 4

Okay Thank you

Answer 5

Please let me know when you've obtained those factors and what they are.

Answer 6

Okay

Answer 7

I got (c+2) (c+1)

Answer 8

Right. So if you set each of those factors = to zero (0) individually, you'll get the c values {-2, -1}, and those are your EXACT roots/zeros for the given equation.

Need any clarification of any of this?

Answer 9

I got it thank you that was helpful

Answer 10

You've solved this problem using factoring. There are a host of other ways: quadratic formula, synthetic division, graphing, completing the square and more. If and when you h ave time, you might want to take that original expression and try finding the roots using one of the other methods, for the practice. All the best to you; "see
you again on OpenStudy.