Solve x⁴ - 5x³ - x² + 17x + 12 = 0
The solutions of x⁴ - 5x³ - x² + 17x + 12 = 0 are x = -1, -1, 3, 4 (repeated roots counted once each: -1, 3, 4).
How to work it out
- 1
A quartic has up to 4 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 12, so the candidates are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±12.
- 2
Test the candidates until one gives 0. x = -1 is a root. Divide by (x + 1) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 3
x = -1 is a root. Divide by (x + 1) with synthetic division; the bottom row is the quotient and a 0 remainder.
- 4
What is left is the quadratic x² - 7x + 12 = 0. Solve it (factoring or the quadratic formula):
- 5
So the polynomial factors as
LaTeX source of the formulas on this page
\[ x^{4} - 5x^{3} - x^{2} + 17x + 12 = (x + 1)^{2}(x - 3)(x - 4) = 0 \]
\[ x^{4} - 5x^{3} - x^{2} + 17x + 12 = 0 \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|ccccc} -1 & 1 & -5 & -1 & 17 & 12 \\ & 0 & -1 & 6 & -5 & -12 \\ \hline & 1 & -6 & 5 & 12 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|cccc} -1 & 1 & -6 & 5 & 12 \\ & 0 & -1 & 7 & -12 \\ \hline & 1 & -7 & 12 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ x^{2} - 7x + 12 = 0 \Rightarrow x = 4,\ 3 \]
\[ x^{4} - 5x^{3} - x^{2} + 17x + 12 = (x + 1)^{2}(x - 3)(x - 4) \]Candidates tested (computed)
| Candidate x | p(x) | Root? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | no |
| -1 | 0 | root |
Vieta's formulas check the answer (computed)
| Relation | From the roots | From the coefficients |
|---|---|---|
| Sum of the roots | 5 | 5 |
| Product of the roots | 12 | 12 |
Questions
What are the roots of x⁴ - 5x³ - x² + 17x + 12 = 0?
The solutions of x⁴ - 5x³ - x² + 17x + 12 = 0 are x = -1, -1, 3, 4 (repeated roots counted once each: -1, 3, 4).
How do you factor x⁴ - 5x³ - x² + 17x + 12?
(x + 1)(x − 3)(x − 4).
What is the sum of the roots?
5 (it equals −(-5) by Vieta's formulas).