finding roots of a cubic function

[architectofthefuture]

I have x^3 - 3x - 1 = 0. how do i solve this? what is the general formula (eg. using a, b, and c's)?

 

[pka]

I have x^3 - 3x - 1 = 0. how do i solve this? what is the general formula (eg. using a, b, and c's)?

There is no one general way.
But you can find some ways here.

 

[Deleted member 4993]

I find approximate methods like Newton_Raphson method (combined with graphical method) most expedient in these cases.

Ofcourse if internet is available - use Wolframalfa.com