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Calculus/pootal help please

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Expert: - 3/19/2009


Question
How do I factor : x^3 + 3x^2 + 1   (I set y as zero because i need to find the x intercept to graph this. I already found increasing and decresing intervals using first derivative. What I was trying was to find common factors of one and see when they give me an out put of zero and then use synthetic division. But that didnt work...)

Answer

Finding that root
Since x^2 is positive and 1 is positive, the answer must be negative.
With the 3x^2 and the x^3, the answer must be less than -3.
From what I observed in the first row, it must now be much below -3.
Just for fun, I designed a spreadsheet in Excel to find the root for me.  I have attached a picture format (since that's the only format I can send) for you to view.  The solution is down at the bottom.

If you would like to see the spreadsheet in it's proper format,
then just give me the mailing address.  It is saved on my computer as Chartapootal.xls in the math help directory.  I've found that saving files by name makes for easy retreival when the person asks to see the file.

Scotto

Expertise

Any kind of calculus question you want. I also have answered some questions in Physics (mass, momentum, falling bodies), Chemistry (charge, reactions, symbols, molecules), and Biology.

Experience

Experience in the area: I have tutored students in all areas of mathematics for over 25 years. Education/Credentials: BSand MS in Mathematics from Oregon State University, where I completed sophomore course in Physics and Chemistry. I received both degrees with high honors. Awards and Honors: I have passed Actuarial tests 100, 110, and 135.

Publications
Maybe not a publication, but I have respond to well oveer 7,500 questions on the PC. Well over 2,000 of them have been in calculus.

Education/Credentials
I aquired well over 40 hours of upper division courses. This was well over the number that were required. I graduated with honors in both my BS and MS degree from Oregon State University. I was allowed to jump into a few junior level courses my sophomore year.

Awards and Honors
I have been nominated as the expert of the month several times. All of my scores right now are at least a 9.8 average (out of 10).

Past/Present Clients
My past clients have been students at OSU, students at the college in South Seattle, referals from a company, friends and aquantenances, people from my church, and people like you from all over the world.

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