Expert: Abe Mantell - 1/2/2008

Question
hey im having alot of trouble with this problem. * means to the 3rd in the exponent and ^ means to the 2nd in the exponent. the problem is x*-3x^+x-3=x^+1  

Answer
Hello Chelsey,

First, the common notation for exponentiation is:
x^n = "x raised to the power of n"

So, the equation you have is: x^3-3x^2+x-3=x^2+1

You did not tell me what the problem asks of you.
Solve for 'x' I gather, yes?

If so, then re-write as: x^3-4x^2+x-4=0
No need for synthetic division.  The polynomial
can be factored by grouping: (x-4)x^2 + (x-4) = 0
Factoring out the (x-4), gives: (x-4)(x^2+1)=0
Thus, either x-4=0 OR x^2+1=0
==> x=4, or x=+i or -i

OK?

Abe