Question

We want to find the zeros of this polynomial:
p(x) = (2x2 + 7x + 5)(x – 3)

Answer 1

x = -5/2, -1, or 3

Explanation:

The quadratic factor can be factored further to give ...

p(x) = (2x +5)(x +1)(x -3)

The zeros of p(x) are the values of x that make the factors zero:

2x +5 = 0 ⇒ x = -5/2

x +1 = 0 ⇒ x = -1

x -3 = 0 ⇒ x = 3

The zeros of the polynomial are x = -5/2, x = -1, or x = 3.