Solve x⁴ + 3x³ - 12x² - 20x + 48 = 0
The solutions of x⁴ + 3x³ - 12x² - 20x + 48 = 0 are x = -4, -3, 2, 2 (repeated roots counted once each: -4, -3, 2).
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 48, so the candidates are ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±6, ±8, ±12, ±16, ±24, ±48.
- 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
x = 2 is a root. Divide by (x − 2) 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
\[ x^{4} + 3x^{3} - 12x^{2} - 20x + 48 = (x + 4)(x + 3)(x - 2)^{2} = 0 \]
\[ x^{4} + 3x^{3} - 12x^{2} - 20x + 48 = 0 \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|ccccc} 2 & 1 & 3 & -12 & -20 & 48 \\ & 0 & 2 & 10 & -4 & -48 \\ \hline & 1 & 5 & -2 & -24 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ \begin{array}{c|cccc} 2 & 1 & 5 & -2 & -24 \\ & 0 & 2 & 14 & 24 \\ \hline & 1 & 7 & 12 & 0 \end{array} \]
\[ x^{2} + 7x + 12 = 0 \Rightarrow x = -3,\ -4 \]
\[ x^{4} + 3x^{3} - 12x^{2} - 20x + 48 = (x + 4)(x + 3)(x - 2)^{2} \]Candidates tested (computed)
| Candidate x | p(x) | Root? |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | no |
| -1 | 54 | no |
| 2 | 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 | 48 | 48 |
Questions
What are the roots of x⁴ + 3x³ - 12x² - 20x + 48 = 0?
The solutions of x⁴ + 3x³ - 12x² - 20x + 48 = 0 are x = -4, -3, 2, 2 (repeated roots counted once each: -4, -3, 2).
How do you factor x⁴ + 3x³ - 12x² - 20x + 48?
(x + 4)(x + 3)(x − 2).
What is the sum of the roots?
-3 (it equals −3 by Vieta's formulas).