1. ## using polynomials

The problem states:The volume of the box is 630in^3. The height is 4 in more than the width, the length is 1 in more than than width.What is the width?

I started by forming the equation based on l*w*h=v so,

(1+w)(4+w)(w)=630 and i combined to get

w^3+5w^2+4w=630

And from this point I'm stuck

2. Your work so far is correct, rearranging the formula you have above will give you the following cubic equation:

$w^3 + 5w^2 + 4w - 630 = 0$

Have you been taught how to solve cubic equations?

3. No this is an extra credit problem for this unit. We've covered how to find zeros but this problem has me stumped.

Originally Posted by craig
Your work so far is correct, rearranging the formula you have above will give you the following cubic equation:

$w^3 + 5w^2 + 4w - 630 = 0$

Have you been taught how to solve cubic equations?

4. If you're using graphing calculators in your class, maybe you're expected to use that to find where the polynomial crosses the x-axis...?