College Algebra Tutorial 18


College Algebra
Answer/Discussion to Practice Problems  
Tutorial 18: Solving Polynomial Equations by Factoring

WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 18: Solving Polynomial Equations by Factoring


 

 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 1a

problem 1a
 

Step 1: Simplify each side if needed.

 
This polynomial equation is already simplified.

 
Step 2: Write in standard form, polynomial, if needed.

 
This polynomial equation is already in standard form.

 
Step 3: Factor.

 
ad1a1
*Poly. eq. in standard form
*Factor out the GCF
*Factor a  diff. of squares

 
Step 4:  Use the Zero-Product Principle

AND

Step 5: Solve for the equation(s) set up in step 4. 
 

ad1a2
*Use Zero-Product Principle
*Set 1st factor = 0 and solve
 
 
 

*Set 2nd factor = 0 and solve
 
 
 
 
 

*Set 3rd factor = 0 and solve
 

 
 

There are two solutions to this polynomial equation: x = 0, x = -5 and x = 5.

 
(return to problem 1a)


 

 

check markAnswer/Discussion to 1b

problem 1b
 

Step 1: Simplify each side if needed.

 
This polynomial equation is already simplified.

 
Step 2: Write in standard form, polynomial, if needed.

 
ad1b1

*Inverse of add. 16y and sub. 48 is sub. 16y and add. 48
*Poly. eq. in standard form

 
Step 3: Factor.

 
ad1b2
*Poly. eq. in standard form
*Factor by grouping

*Factor a  diff. of squares
 
 

Step 4:  Use the Zero-Product Principle

AND

Step 5: Solve for the equation(s) set up in step 4. 
 

ad1b3
*Use Zero-Product Principle
*Set 1st factor = 0 and solve
 
 
 
 

*Set 2nd factor = 0 and solve
 
 
 
 
 
 

*Set 3rd factor = 0 and solve
 

 
 

There are two solutions to this polynomial equation: y = 3, y = -4 and y = 4.

 
(return to problem 1b)

 

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WTAMU > Virtual Math Lab > College Algebra > Tutorial 18: Solving Polynomial Equations by Factoring


Last revised on Dec. 16, 2009 by Kim Seward.
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