Solve x³ - 2x² - 25x + 50 = 0
The solutions of x³ - 2x² - 25x + 50 = 0 are x = -5, 2, 5.
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 50, so the candidates are ±1, ±2, ±5, ±10, ±25, ±50.
- 2
Test the candidates until one gives 0. x = 2 is a root. Divide by (x − 2) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 3
What is left is the quadratic x² - 25 = 0. Solve it (factoring or the quadratic formula):
- 4
So the polynomial factors as
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ x^{3} - 2x^{2} - 25x + 50 = (x + 5)(x - 2)(x - 5) = 0 \]
\[ x^{3} - 2x^{2} - 25x + 50 = 0 \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|cccc} 2 & 1 & -2 & -25 & 50 \\ & 0 & 2 & 0 & -50 \\ \hline & 1 & 0 & -25 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ x^{2} - 25 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 5,\ -5 \]
\[ x^{3} - 2x^{2} - 25x + 50 = (x + 5)(x - 2)(x - 5) \]Candidates tested (computed)
| Candidate x | p(x) | Root? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | no |
| -1 | 72 | no |
| 2 | 0 | root |
Vieta's formulas check the answer (computed)
| Relation | From the roots | From the coefficients |
|---|---|---|
| Sum of the roots | 2 | 2 |
| Product of the roots | -50 | -50 |
Questions
What are the roots of x³ - 2x² - 25x + 50 = 0?
The solutions of x³ - 2x² - 25x + 50 = 0 are x = -5, 2, 5.
How do you factor x³ - 2x² - 25x + 50?
(x + 5)(x − 2)(x − 5).
What is the sum of the roots?
2 (it equals −(-2) by Vieta's formulas).