# Math Help - systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

1. ## systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

Can anyone offer a systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

2. ## Re: systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

Originally Posted by sluggerbroth
Can anyone offer a systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???
A third degree polynomial with real coefficients has at one real root.
If you find that root, say $r$, then $(x-r)$ is factor.
Thus you can reduce the polynomial to a second degree polynomial.

4. ## Re: systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

Originally Posted by sluggerbroth
How to Factor a Cubic Polynomial: 6 steps - wikiHow[

5. ## Re: systematic procedure for factoring third degree polynomials???

Typically, by "factor a polynomial" one means "write as factors with integer coefficients", possibly with a fraction multiplying all factors. While a cubic polynomial must have at least one real zero, it does not necessarily have any rational roots and, if not, cannot be factored with integer coefficients.