# List Possible Rational Zeros

• Sep 14th 2009, 07:35 AM
sharkman
List Possible Rational Zeros
List all the possible rational zeros of the following polynomial.

x^2 + sqrt{5}(x) - 2/3
• Sep 14th 2009, 08:10 AM
skeeter
Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkman
List all the possible rational zeros of the following polynomial.

x^2 + sqrt{5}(x) - 2/3

the rational root theorem works for polynomials with integer coefficients.
• Sep 14th 2009, 02:34 PM
sharkman
but...
Quote:

Originally Posted by skeeter
the rational root theorem works for polynomials with integer coefficients.

To find the possible rational zeros, don't we divide the factors of the constant by the factors of the leading coefficient?

In other words, factors of 2/3 divided by factors of 1, in this case.

If so, how do I proceed?
• Sep 14th 2009, 06:01 PM
skeeter
Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkman
To find the possible rational zeros, don't we divide the factors of the constant by the factors of the leading coefficient?

In other words, factors of 2/3 divided by factors of 1, in this case.

If so, how do I proceed?

Rational Zeros of Polynomials
• Sep 14th 2009, 06:13 PM
Prove It
Quote:

Originally Posted by sharkman
List all the possible rational zeros of the following polynomial.

x^2 + sqrt{5}(x) - 2/3

I assume this quadratic is equal to zero.

For any quadratic of the form $ax^2 + bx +c = 0$, the solutions are

$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$.

Since your b value is irrational, I doubt you'll find rational zeroes...