Solve x³ + 3x² - 4x = 0
The solutions of x³ + 3x² - 4x = 0 are x = -4, 0, 1.
How to work it out
- 1
A cubic has up to 3 real roots. The rational root theorem says that any integer root of a polynomial with integer coefficients and leading coefficient 1 divides the constant term 0 (it is 0, so x = 0 is a root and x factors out).
- 2
Test the candidates until one gives 0. x = 0 is a root. Divide by (x − 0) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 3
What is left is the quadratic x² + 3x - 4 = 0. Solve it (factoring or the quadratic formula):
- 4
So the polynomial factors as
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ x^{3} + 3x^{2} - 4x = (x + 4)x(x - 1) = 0 \]
\[ x^{3} + 3x^{2} - 4x = 0 \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|cccc} 0 & 1 & 3 & -4 & 0 \\ & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\ \hline & 1 & 3 & -4 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ x^{2} + 3x - 4 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 1,\ -4 \]
\[ x^{3} + 3x^{2} - 4x = (x + 4)x(x - 1) \]Candidates tested (computed)
| Candidate x | p(x) | Root? |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | root |
Vieta's formulas check the answer (computed)
| Relation | From the roots | From the coefficients |
|---|---|---|
| Sum of the roots | -3 | -3 |
| Product of the roots | 0 | 0 |
Questions
What are the roots of x³ + 3x² - 4x = 0?
The solutions of x³ + 3x² - 4x = 0 are x = -4, 0, 1.
How do you factor x³ + 3x² - 4x?
(x + 4)x(x − 1).
What is the sum of the roots?
-3 (it equals −3 by Vieta's formulas).